Tirzepatide's gastric emptying effects after one-week discontinuation to be assessed in new clinical trial

GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists like tirzepatide are known to delay gastric emptying, a key mechanism contributing to their efficacy in weight management and type 2 diabetes. While beneficial for glycemic control and satiety, delayed gastric emptying poses a significant safety concern for patients undergoing procedures requiring fasting, such as surgery or endoscopy, due to the increased risk of aspiration. Current guidelines recommend discontinuing these medications well in advance of procedures, but the precise duration needed for gastric emptying to normalize after tirzepatide discontinuation, particularly if one week is sufficient, remains an important clinical question.

This observational, cross-sectional clinical trial (NCT07398222) will enroll an estimated 30 volunteers to compare the prevalence of a full stomach after fasting. Participants will include individuals using tirzepatide and a control group not using the medication. The primary outcome is the comparison of gastric content using gastric ultrasonography after fasting for one day. Secondary outcomes will include the percentage of participants with lack of gastric content retention and the amount of gastric content volume post-liquid test meal, measured at various time points (6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours) after a liquid test meal on Day 178.