Scientific Poster Session III - Systematic Reviews/Meta-Analysis

Systematic Reviews/Meta-Analysis
  Monday, October 14, 2024
  01:00 PM–02:30 PM

Abstract

Background: The Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and have recently gained popularity for weight management. However, concerns have been raised regarding GLP-1RAs and acute pancreatitis in post-marketing reports. Our meta-analysis examined the risk of pancreatitis-related events in GLP-1RA users for weight management in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: A systematic search of two databases, Embase and PubMed/MEDLINE, was performed up to July 12, 2023. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were RCTs that evaluated a GLP-1RA against placebo for a duration of at least 6 weeks, enrolled at least 20 adult participants, had a primary outcome related to change in body weight, and reported at least 1 adverse event. We estimated the risk difference comparing GLP-1RAs to placebo for both pancreatitis and acute pancreatitis overall, by specific GLP-1RA and in those with and without type 2 diabetes. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results: The meta-analysis included 38 RCTs, with a total of 50 pancreatitis-related events among 23,783 participants. The mean baseline weight and BMI were 102.1 kg and 36.0 kg/m2, respectively. There was no statistically significant association between GLP-1RAs and pancreatitis-related events (RD 1.4 per 1,000 participants; 95% CI -0.4 to 3.1; p=0.12), including acute pancreatitis (RD 0.5 per 1,000; 95% CI -1.0 to 2.0; p=0.53) and pancreatitis (RD 0.9 per 1,000; 95% CI -0.7 to 2.5; p=0.27). Subgroup analysis in patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus revealed a statistically significant association between GLP-1RAs and pancreatitis-related events (RD 1.9 per 1,000; 95% CI 0.1 to 3.8; p=0.049). No significant association was found in the pancreatitis-related events for specific GLP-1RAs.

Discussion: Overall, we did not observe an association between pancreatitis-related events and GLP-1RAs for weight management. Further research is needed to assess the risk.

Other: None.

Presenting Author

Ngan Le PharmD Candidate
University of Illinois at Chicago

Authors

Connor Dyball PharmD Candidate
University of Illinois Chicago

Lubna Hassan PharmD
University of Illinois Chicago

Todd A. Lee PharmD, Ph.D.
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy