GLP-1 Receptor Agonist use safe, reduces healthcare utilization post-fracture surgery in T2DM adults.

For patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly prescribed due to their benefits in glycemic control, weight management, and cardiovascular health. However, the perioperative safety profile of GLP-1 RAs, particularly in specific surgical contexts like hand and wrist procedures, remains underexplored. This gap creates uncertainty for clinicians regarding potential risks or benefits when patients on GLP-1 RAs undergo surgery, necessitating data to inform perioperative management and ensure patient safety.

This retrospective cohort study utilized the TriNetX Network (2018-2024) to examine adults with T2DM undergoing open surgical fixation of a distal radius fracture. Patients were categorized by active GLP-1 RA use within 180 days preoperatively. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to balance demographics, fracture complexity, metabolic factors, diabetes severity, and medication use, resulting in 1080 patients (540 per cohort). Primary outcomes included 90-day medical complications, 180-day surgical complications, and healthcare utilization through 180 days, analyzed via logistic regression for odds ratios.

After propensity score matching, the 1080 patients included showed no significant differences in composite 90-day medical complications or composite 180-day surgical complications between GLP-1 RA users and non-users. Individual adverse events were uncommon and did not differ between the groups. This suggests that GLP-1 RA use does not heighten the risk of immediate or longer-term surgical and medical issues in this specific patient population. Importantly, the study identified a positive association with healthcare utilization: > GLP-1 RA use was associated with lower odds of emergency department visit and/or inpatient hospital readmission at 180 days.