GLP-1RAs lower quality of bowel preparation and increase need for repeat colonoscopy

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2023-11-27T03:00:30+05:30 | Updated On 27 Nov 2023 10:48 AM IST

To rule out colon cancer screening, the meticulousness of bowel preparation is imperative. A recent retrospective cohort study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology from a major academic medical center suggests that Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs) use, common in obesity and diabetes management, may be associated with a reduced quality of bowel preparation.

The study led by Rebecca Yao and team focused into data from patients undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopies from December 2021 to December 2022. The study involved 265 cases on GLP-1RAs for diabetes or obesity and 181 controls with a history of GLP-1RA use but not within three months of the procedure.

Results showed no baseline differences between the groups except for a higher prevalence of diabetes in cases. Controlling for diabetes, the Mean Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) was significantly higher in controls (7.0 ± 1.9 vs. 7.5 ± 2.4, p = 0.046). Cases had a notably higher percentage of patients with a total BBPS score of <5 (15.5% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.01), indicating suboptimal preparation. Moreover, the need for a repeat colonoscopy due to poor bowel prep was significantly higher in cases (18.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.041).

These findings underscore the potential impact of GLP-1RAs on the quality of bowel preparation, with a concerning correlation to the need for repeat colonoscopies. As inadequate bowel prep can compromise the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic safety of colonoscopies, these results raise important considerations for individuals on GLP-1RAs slated for colon cancer screening.

Further exploration is needed to understand the cumulative effects of medications affecting gastric emptying on bowel preparation quality. This study emphasizes the need for tailored approaches based on patients' medication profiles. As research unfolds, these insights may pave the way for refinements in screening protocols to ensure optimal diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

Source:

Yao, R., Gala, K. S., Ghusn, W., Abboud, D. M., Wallace, F. K., & Vargas, E. J. (2023). Effect of glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000002564

The American Journal of GastroenterologyColonoscopybowel preparation

Source : The American Journal of Gastroenterology

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751