Mitra Jamshidian, MD

2023 Ben J. Lipps Research Fellowship Award

Institution: University of California, San Francisco  

Project Title: The Effect of SGLT2i on Blood Pressure and Serum Potassium in a Real-World Setting

How would you sum up your research in one sentence? 

My research focuses on analyzing the effects of sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on blood pressure and serum potassium in the real-world setting.

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

SGLT2i use has broadened from type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment to also include treatment of chronic kidney disease and heart failure. We will analyze these drugs' effects on blood pressure and serum potassium in the real-world setting. By understanding the magnitude of effect and identifying patients susceptible to substantial blood pressure or serum potassium changes following SGLT2i initiation, the results of this project will facilitate the optimal use and monitoring of SGLT2i in real-world populations.

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

By providing a deeper understanding of the real-world effects of SGLT2i on blood pressure and serum potassium levels, we aim to inform more personalized and safe monitoring strategies. The results will help clinicians identify individuals who are most susceptible to significant changes in these health markers following SGLT2i initiation, thereby allowing for timely interventions, better patient monitoring, and potentially minimizing adverse events. If we find a very low incidence of adverse effects, the results would facilitate the use of SGLT2i by providing clinicians with greater confidence in their safety. Ultimately, our research could enhance patient safety and improve health outcomes for those needing SGLT2i.

What are your career goals at the end of the grant period? Five years out? Ten years out?

Upon completion of this grant period, my aspiration is to emerge as a more accomplished physician scientist and clinical investigator, using the acquired knowledge and skills to enhance patient care in my nephrology practice. The proposed project and research training will equip me with a robust foundation, enabling me to delve deeper into the varying treatment effects of SGLT2i and other emerging therapies for chronic kidney disease. This knowledge will pave the way for future investigations aimed at optimizing the use of novel therapies in real-world clinical settings.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

During my nephrology fellowship, I observed firsthand the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on blood pressure and serum potassium, but found the lack of clear guidelines for post-initiation monitoring concerning. This inspired me to design a research project to elucidate these real-world impacts, aiming to fill a crucial gap in clinical practice and ultimately contribute to safer and more effective patient care.

In my free time I like to… 

strategize my next move on a chessboard, experiment with new ingredients in the kitchen, and embrace the tranquility of the great outdoors.