Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Elaine Chen
Published on 2024-03-28 08:30:41
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, commonly used to treat diabetes and obesity, have raised concerns for patients undergoing surgeries and endoscopies. These medications can delay stomach emptying, potentially leaving food in the stomach even after fasting. This poses a risk of patients accidentally breathing food into their lungs during procedures, leading to aspiration pneumonia.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology shed light on this issue by linking GLP-1 drugs to a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia following endoscopies. Researchers analyzed a large dataset of health records and found that patients on GLP-1 treatments had a 33% greater risk of developing aspiration pneumonia compared to those not on these medications. The risk was particularly elevated for those undergoing upper endoscopies or a combination of upper endoscopies and colonoscopies.
The study, conducted between 2018 and 2020, focused on the impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. However, newer and more potent treatments such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, which share similar mechanisms, may also pose a risk for aspiration. The findings emphasize the importance of further research to guide healthcare providers in managing patients taking these popular medications.
Despite the study’s limitations, which include its observational nature and inability to prove causation, it highlights the need for caution when performing procedures on patients using GLP-1 drugs. It also underscores the importance of individualized assessment and decision-making by healthcare providers.
The study’s senior author, Ali Rezaie, emphasized the need for awareness rather than discontinuation of GLP-1 drugs. Two medical groups, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Gastroenterological Association, differed in their recommendations regarding the use of these medications before procedures. While more evidence is needed to establish formal guidelines, the study serves as a crucial step in identifying potential risks associated with GLP-1 drug use during medical procedures.
It is essential to note that while the absolute risk of aspiration pneumonia for GLP-1 drug users is low, the high number of endoscopies performed annually in the U.S. could translate to a significant number of cases. Although aspiration pneumonia can often be treated with antibiotics, complications may arise in certain patient populations.
The study authors highlighted the increased risk of aspiration during procedures involving upper endoscopies, where patients are positioned intermittently on their back and their stomachs are inflated with carbon dioxide. The use of propofol as a sedative further heightens the risk by blocking the body’s protective airway reflexes.
In conclusion, while further research is needed to fully understand the implications of GLP-1 drugs in procedural settings, this study serves as an important step in raising awareness and guiding clinical practice. Healthcare providers should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing these medications in patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.
