Safety and Efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Solid Organ Transplant
1University Health - University Hospital, San Antonio, TX, 2College of Pharmacy, University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX
Meeting: 2022 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: 1660
Keywords: Hyperglycemia, Kidney transplantation, Liver transplantation, Post-transplant diabetes
Topic: Clinical Science » Pharmacy » 30 - Non-Organ Specific: Clinical Pharmacy/Transplant Pharmacotherapy
Session Information
Session Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Presentation Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Hynes Halls C & D
*Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) in solid organ transplant (SOT).
*Methods: This retrospective review included adult kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas transplant recipients, who were initiated on a GLP-1 RA for diabetes mellitus management for a minimum of 3 months, had at least one follow-up visit after starting therapy, and had at least one hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level drawn between 3-12 months after GLP1-RA initiation. Outcomes were assessed at time of initiation of GLP1-RA (baseline) and at 3-12 months post-initiation. Nadir values between 3-12 months were utilized to assess outcomes.
*Results: One hundred-eighteen SOT recipients met study inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were Hispanic (73%) and male (59.3%) with a mean age of 58 years. Seventy-percent of patients received a kidney transplant, 19.5% received a liver transplant, and 6.8% received a lung transplant. A statistically significant difference was observed in median fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c at baseline and 3-12 month nadir (p<0.0001). Table 1 provides further details on outcomes evaluated. Four patients experienced a cardiovascular event (stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure exacerbation) at 12 months. The rate of adverse drug reactions was low. Seven-percent of patients experienced nausea, 4.2% developed pancreatitis, and 7.1% reported having had at least one hypoglycemic event.
*Conclusions: This is the largest study evaluating the use of GLP1-RA in SOT and demonstrates the use of GLP1-RA in SOT is both safe and effective. Given GLP1-RA agents have demonstrated hyperglycemic, cardiovascular, and weight loss benefits in non-transplant patients, evaluation of these agents in SOT is necessary. Having a non-insulin treatment option available to SOT patients would provide a more beneficial oral DM regimen. Further assessment on long-term use of these agents on cardiovascular and renal outcomes is still needed.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Sweiss H, Zeilmann D, Escamilla J, Hall R, Bhayana S, Patel R, Long C. Safety and Efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Solid Organ Transplant [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2022; 22 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/safety-and-efficacy-of-glucagon-like-peptide-1-receptor-agonists-in-solid-organ-transplant/. Accessed May 18, 2025.« Back to 2022 American Transplant Congress