Careful management of patients using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists

A significant association was found between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist use and impaired gastric emptying events.

• Impaired gastric emptying may increase the risk of perioperative pulmonary aspiration.
• The study analyzed data from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database.
• Recent guidelines recommend that most patients can continue GLP-1 receptor agonists before surgery.
• Patients at high risk for gastrointestinal issues may need to follow a 24-hour liquid diet prior to surgery.
• Identifying which patients are at high risk for aspiration remains a challenge.

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