Summary

We describe an adverse outcome in a 70-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with sodium–glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin. SGLT2 inhibitors act in the proximal tubules to prevent glucose reabsorption and induce urinary glucose excretion, they have been associated with increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). Our patient presented to hospital with Escherichia coli septicaemia with positive urine and blood cultures on the background of two previous UTIs occurring post commencement of dapagliflozin in the community. Renal tract ultrasound in hospital revealed incomplete bladder emptying with evidence of urinary stasis, and a postvoid residual volume of 180 mL. His dapagliflozin was ceased, and he has had no further episodes of UTI. This case suggests there may be an increased risk of UTI in patients prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors who also have evidence of bladder outlet obstruction—caution is advised in the prescribing of SGLT2 inhibitors in this setting.