Use of SGLT-2 Inhibitor in Decompensated Heart Failure Presenting with Bilateral Resistant Pleural Effusion

Abstract

Chronic diseases concomitantly decrease quality of life and lifespan expectancy. Novel medications, including Sodium-glucose-co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), affect both diabetes, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease. These multisystemic effects give patients with mono systemic and multisystemic diseases new treatment options. Recent studies have shown that SGLT2i may benefit heart failure patients without diabetes. In this case report, we presented a 65-years old patient who was admitted to the emergency room with shortness of breath. Bilateral pleural effusion was observed in the chest X-ray. After etiological studies, empagliflozin was initiated for pleural effusion, which is thought to be related to heart failure. The patient’s symptoms declined on the fourth day of the treatment, and the control lung X-ray revealed that the effusions declined.