The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in the patients undergoing anesthesia or sedation: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist receptors (GLP-1RAs), medications used for glycemic control and weight loss, are increasing worldwide. In the perioperative period, the major concern related to GLP-1RA is gastric emptying delay and risk of aspiration. This meta-analysis and systematic review compared the risks and benefits of using GLP-1 agonist receptors and control in surgical and nonsurgical procedures under anesthesia or sedation. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials and observational studies involving patients > 18 years undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Outcomes of interest were pre-procedural gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, residual gastric content assessed by endoscopy, pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia/sedation, perioperative glycemic control, postoperative inotropic support, nausea/vomiting (PONV), atrial fibrillation, and 30-day mortality rate. We used a random effects model, with odds ratio and mean difference computed for binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. Fourteen randomized and observational studies with 2143 adult patients undergoing elective surgeries and procedures were included. GLP-1RA resulted in increased pre-procedural GI symptoms (OR 7.66; 95% CI 3.42, 17.17; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) and elevated residual gastric content (OR 6.08; 95% CI 2.86, 12.94; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). GLP-1RA resulted in lower glycemic levels (MD − 0.73; 95% CI − 1.13, − 0.33; p = 0.0003; I2 = 90%) and lower rate of rescue insulin administration (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.23, 0.68 p = 0.0009; I2 = 35%). There was no significant difference in rate of perioperative hypoglycemia (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.29, 1.24; p = 0.17; I2 = 0%), hyperglycemia (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.59, 1.34; p = 0.58; I2 = 38%), need for postoperative inotropic support (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33, 1.01; p = 0.05; I2 = 0%), atrial fibrillation (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.52, 2.01; p = 0.95; I2 = 16%), rate of PONV (OR 1.35; 95% CI 0.82, 2.21; p = 0.24; I2 = 0%), and 30-day mortality rate (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.14, 2.05; p = 0.25; I2 = 0%). Compared to control, pre-procedural GLP-1RA increased the rate of GI symptoms and the risk of elevated residual gastric content despite adherence to fasting guidelines. GLP-1RA improved glycemic control and decreased the rate of rescue insulin administration. There was no significant difference in the rates of perioperative hypo or hyperglycemia, postoperative inotropic support, PONV, atrial fibrillation, and 30-day mortality. • Question: What are the benefits and risks of using GLP-1RAs in patients undergoing anesthesia or sedation? • Finding: This meta-analysis demonstrates that perioperative GLP-1RAs increased the rate of GI symptoms and the risk of elevated residual gastric content, improved glycemic control, and did not change the rates of hypo or hyperglycemia, postoperative inotropic support, PONV, atrial fibrillation, and 30-day mortality. • Meaning: Despite improving glycemic control, providers must be aware of the potential risk of anesthesia-related gastrointestinal dysfunction and pulmonary aspiration associated with using GLP-1RA.