What the study found
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, were associated with slower gastric emptying, meaning food left the stomach more slowly. The review found a mean prolongation of 74 minutes.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors state that this could have implications for perioperative care, which is care before, during, and after surgery.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies. They searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process/ePubs, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, APA PsycInfo, and CINAHL, then assessed study quality with risk-of-bias tools and the GRADE system.
What worked and what didn't
The pooled analysis showed a large effect size, with a standardized mean difference of 2.38 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.05 to 3.71. The authors also reported a trend toward a more pronounced effect with short-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists and during early treatment phases of less than 10 weeks.
What to keep in mind
The certainty of the evidence was rated very low by GRADE. The abstract does not describe additional limitations beyond this low certainty rating.
Key points
- GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with a mean gastric emptying delay of 74 minutes.
- The pooled effect size was large: standardized mean difference 2.38 (95% CI 1.05 to 3.71).
- The authors reported a trend toward a stronger effect with short-acting drugs and in the first 10 weeks of treatment.
- The findings were rated very low certainty by GRADE.
- The authors said the result could have implications for perioperative care.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- GLP-1 drugs were linked to slower gastric emptying
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