OBJECTIVES: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are commonly used for diabetes management and are associated with delayed gastric emptying, raising concerns about an increased risk of retained gastric contents (RGC) during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). While this association has been investigated in Western populations, limited data are available for Asian populations.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study involving 1324 patients with diabetes who underwent screening EGD between January 2020 and December 2023. Propensity score matching was used to compare 148 patients receiving GLP-1 RA with 148 patients not receiving GLP-1 RA. We evaluated the relationship between GLP-1 RA use and the incidence of RGC during EGD.
RESULTS: RGC occurred more frequently in the GLP-1 RA group compared to the non-GLP-1 RA group, both before (12.0% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001) and after matching (12.2% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.009). The association between GLP-1 RA use and RGC remained consistent in subgroup analyses, including patients without a history of peptic ulcer scars or endoscopic treatment as well as those not receiving DPP-4 inhibitors. Repeated EGD procedures were more frequent in the GLP-1 RA group; however, no cases of aspiration pneumonia after EGD were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of GLP-1 RA in patients with diabetes significantly increases the risk of RGC during EGD in Asian populations. Implementing precautions, such as recommending a liquid diet the day before EGD, may help mitigate this risk in clinical practice.
