Efficacy and safety of liraglutide in patients with patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and chronic high bowel frequency: A placebo-controlled, crossover, proof of concept study.

Abstract

Introduction After colectomy with ileo-anal pouch anastomosis (IPAA), many patients develop high bowel frequency (BF) refractory to antimotility agents despite normal IPAA morphology. Low circulating levels of glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1), a modulator of gastroduodenal motility, have been reported after colectomy. Methods Double-blind crossover study of 8 IPAA patients with refractory high BF treated with daily administration of the GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1-RA) liraglutide or placebo. Results Liraglutide, but not placebo, reduced daily BF by more than 35% (P<0.03). Discussion Larger randomized controlled studies are warranted to delineate the treatment potential of GLP-1RA's in IPAA patients suffering from non-inflammatory high BF.