GLP-1 Agonists and Retained Gastric Contents at Endoscopy

Professional organizations are debating on whether these drugs should be held prior to upper endoscopy.

Some gastroenterologists have observed that patients who receive glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, used increasingly for diabetes and obesity, are prone to having retained gastric contents at the time of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This observation isn't surprising, given that delayed gastric emptying is one mechanism of action for GLP-1 agonists. Retained gastric contents interfere with visualization of the stomach during EGD, thereby decreasing the diagnostic yield and often requiring the endoscopist to terminate the procedure prematurely due to heightened risk for aspiration.

In one study of patients with diabetes who were referred for EGD, researchers compared 205 patients who were receiving GLP-1 agonists and 205 propensit…

Reviewing Authors

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Judith Staub, MD

GLP-1 Agonists and Retained Gastric Contents at Endoscopy

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Reviewing Authors