UK study links GLP-1 drugs to 11-fold rise in regurgitation during anaesthesia
A study of more than 47,000 UK patients found GLP-1 users were 11 times more likely than non-users to regurgitate or aspirate during general anaesthesia. The finding matters as these drugs become more widely used, but the researchers say it does not prove the medication caused the events; Australian anaesthetists are urging patients to disclose their use before surgery.
Bottom line — Tell the anaesthesia team about GLP-1 drugs; the study found most recorded events involved regurgitation, not material entering the lungs.
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The study, published in Anaesthesia, included 1,348 GLP-1 users and 45,691 non-users, according to Yahoo Health.
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Yahoo Health reports 19 events among GLP-1 users: 17 cases of regurgitation and two of pulmonary aspiration.
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The study authors cautioned that obesity and diabetes may also affect aspiration risk, so the association is not proof of cause, ABC News reports.
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GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, which can leave stomach contents despite fasting; anaesthesia also switches off protective coughing and swallowing reflexes, ABC News explains.
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Australian and New Zealand anaesthesia guidelines advise 24 hours of clear fluids followed by a six-hour fast, ABC News reports.
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Doctors interviewed by ABC News say some patients conceal use through embarrassment or because they are taking unapproved peptides.
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Guidance is not uniform: Grey Peptides says Australian and New Zealand societies advise continuing treatment with precautions, while the latest ABC report highlights a need for more evidence on when to pause it.