Medical Bulletin 07/October/2023

Here are the top medical news of the day:

GLP-1 Agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy linked to gastrointestinal risks: study

A recent study presented at a medical conference has shown that Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, which are often used off-label for weight loss, have been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse events.

The study, which utilized data from a large health claims database covering 16 million patients between 2006 and 2020, focused on two primary GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and liraglutide. These drugs, while approved for diabetes treatment, have gained popularity for their potential to aid weight loss.

Reference: Sodhi M, Rezaeianzadeh R, Kezouh A, Etminan M. Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. JAMA. Published online October 05, 2023. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.19574

Esketamine nasal spray shows promise in treatment-resistant depression

In the realm of treatment-resistant depression, where conventional therapies often fall short, a recent study has shed light on a potential breakthrough. The research published in NEJM showed that esketamine nasal spray, combined with SSRIs or SNRIs, demonstrates superior efficacy in achieving remission in treatment-resistant depression compared to extended-release quetiapine augmentation therapy..

This phase 3b, randomized, active-controlled trial, conducted as an open-label, single-blind study with raters unaware of group assignments, sought to address the pressing need for effective treatments for patients who do not respond to multiple consecutive therapies during their current depressive episode.

Reference: Esketamine Nasal Spray versus Quetiapine for Treatment-Resistant Depression, Andreas Reif et al,N Engl J Med 2023; 389:1298-1309, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2304145

Does postpartum depression affect fathers too?

Dads can suffer from postpartum depression, and a new pilot study at the University of Illinois Chicago suggests they can and should be screened for the condition. The study sheds light on postpartum depression in fathers and underscores the importance of screening new dads for the condition. The study revealed that 30% of the 24 fathers screened for postpartum depression using the same tool commonly employed for mothers tested positive.

The study, published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, was conducted at UI Health’s Two-Generation Clinic.

Reference: Screening fathers for postpartum depression in a maternal-child health clinic: a program evaluation in a midwest urban academic medical center,10.1186/s12884-023-05966-y