Impact of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RA) on Food Content During Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Abstract

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have delayed gastric emptying properties; however, the impact on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) visualization is unknown.

Objective: This study examines the impact of GLP-1RA use on EGD visualization and gastric content retention.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study with matched controls. The primary endpoint was the odds of retained food documented during EGD. Secondary endpoints included incidence of lavage and need for repeat EGD due to poor visualization and were compared using Fisher exact test. Analyses were performed in R Studio.

Results: There were 59 patients in the cohort prescribed a GLP-1RA with 118 matched controls. Food retention was documented with 4 patients (6.8%) in the GLP-1RA cohort versus 2 patients (1.7%) in the control group (odds ratio [OR] 4.22 [95% CI 0.87-20.34]). No difference was observed in the need for lavage during EGD or in the need for repeat EGD attributed to poor visualization.

Conclusion and relevance: This study addresses a previously uninvestigated question in clinical practice. GLP-1RA did not significantly increase odds of retained food on EGD. Although a numerical difference was observed, it did not reach statistical difference. No cases required repeat EGD due to poor visualization, and no change to EGD pre-procedure instructions were warranted at the study facility.

Keywords: EGD; diabetes; drug-related problems; esophagogastroduodenoscopy; glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist.