GLP-1 Use Linked to Residual Gastric Content Before Anesthesia

Key Takeaways:

• The study reports an association between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and increased prevalence of ultrasound-defined residual gastric content in fasted patients.
• Gastric content was assessed using standardized preinduction ultrasonography, reflecting a surrogate marker of aspiration risk.
• Findings are based on an observational, cross-sectional comparison and do not directly measure clinical aspiration outcomes.

A JAMA Surgery report describes an association between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist use and increased residual gastric content identified on preoperative gastric ultrasonography among patients who were appropriately fasted before elective procedures under anesthesia. The study focuses on ultrasound-based assessment of gastric contents immediately prior to induction.

The report summarizes an observational cross-sectional analysis of fasted patients presenting for elective procedures, comparing those using GLP-1 receptor agonists with nonusers. Residual gastric content was assessed using standardized gastric ultrasonography protocols performed in the preinduction period, allowing for point-in-time comparison of gastric content status between groups.

For the primary outcome, GLP-1 receptor agonist use was associated with a higher prevalence of ultrasound findings consistent with increased residual gastric content (e.g., “full stomach” by established sonographic criteria). These findings reflect a surrogate marker of aspiration risk rather than direct measurement of aspiration events. Detailed statistical estimates (e.g., effect sizes) are reported in the full study but are not included in this summary.

Overall, the findings are presented as a preanesthesia, point-in-time comparison in appropriately fasted patients, highlighting a potential association between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and delayed gastric emptying in the perioperative setting.