Investigating Semaglutide Discontinuation's Impact on Gastric Retention and Endoscopy Visibility
Background
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) like semaglutide are crucial for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity by delaying gastric emptying. While beneficial for glycemic control and weight, this pharmacological mechanism can significantly increase the risk of gastric retention, a condition where food remains in the stomach for an extended period. This study aims to understand if a one-week discontinuation of semaglutide before an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedure can mitigate this risk and improve mucosal visibility during endoscopy.
Results
As this is a prospective study registered under NCT ID: NCT07152756, it is currently NOT_YET_RECRUITING and therefore no results or specific data have been generated yet. The study is designed to investigate the potential impact of semaglutide discontinuation on pre-procedural conditions. Researchers will collect data to quantitatively compare the risk of gastric retention and endoscopic mucosal visibility scores between the two groups. It is anticipated that patients discontinuing semaglutide for one week will show different outcomes regarding stomach emptying and the clarity of the stomach lining during endoscopy. The primary objective is to quantitatively compare the risk of gastric retention and endoscopic mucosal visibility scores between patients who stop semaglutide for one week before EGD and those who have never used it. Specific metrics for comparison will include gastric retention rates and visibility scores, which will be analyzed for statistically significant differences.
Why It Matters
Understanding the optimal pre-procedural management for patients on GLP-1RAs like semaglutide is critical for patient safety and procedural efficacy during endoscopy. If a one-week discontinuation significantly reduces gastric retention and improves endoscopic visibility, it could establish a new standard of care for patients undergoing EGD while on semaglutide. This research, once completed, could directly inform clinical guidelines, potentially leading to safer and more effective endoscopic procedures. Future steps will involve analyzing the collected data and, if positive, potentially leading to broader clinical recommendations and further trials.