Study: GLP-1s reduce TKA complications for non-diabetic patients with obesity

Editor's Note

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) could reduce total knee arthroplasty (TKA) complications for non-diabetic patients with obesity, according to a November 13 Helio report on research presented at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meeting. In addition to reduced odds of 90-day medical complications, the research found GLP-1s reduced odds of 2-year revision for fracture and aseptic loosening.

According to the article, the research involved more than 63,000 with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 but without diabetes who had been taking GLP-1 medication for at least a year prior to TKA surgery and for 2 years after. The propensity-matched cohort study compared these patients to those who did not receive the medications, with researchers measuring 90-day medical and surgical complications as well as 2-year revision rates.

Among patients who received the drugs, researchers found lower rates of deep vein thrombosis, pharmacomechanical endovascular intervention, sepsis, periprosthetic joint infection and pneumonia, Helio reports. Although 2-year revision rates were not significantly different, the GLP-1 group demonstrated reduced risk of periprosthetic fracture and aseptic loosening and increased risk for aspiration pneumonitis. Researchers called for further study into long-term effects of the medications as well as their effect on bone metabolism.