Plain Language Summary
Retrospective cohort study using TriNetX (January 2010–December 2023) evaluating GLP-1 RA use (semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide) in liver transplant recipients. GLP-1 RA-treated recipients showed improvements in metabolic endpoints including weight and HbA1c. Addresses a critical knowledge gap: liver transplant recipients face high post-transplant metabolic disease burden (calcineurin inhibitor-induced diabetes, weight gain) but were excluded from GLP-1 RA trials. Provides safety and effectiveness data to guide semaglutide prescribing in this immunosuppressed population.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Liver transplant recipients face high risks of cardiometabolic events after transplant, driven by posttransplant weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, as well as immunosuppression-related side effects. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) improve metabolic and cardiorenal outcomes in nontransplant populations, but their role in liver transplant recipients remains understudied.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used TriNetX data (January 2010-December 2023) to compare outcomes in liver transplant recipients prescribed GLP1RAs (semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide) within 1-mo posttransplant (n = 546) versus nonusers (n = 37 153). Propensity score matching (1:1) balanced demographics, comorbidities, and medications (n = 541 per group). Outcomes included mortality, hospitalizations, cardiovascular/renal/respiratory events, and graft outcomes.
RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up 838.5 d (SD 291.9) in the GLP1RA cohort and 884.3 d (SD 313.7) in the non-GLP1RA group, GLP1RA use was associated with a 43% lower all-cause mortality (7.0% versus 12.9%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.566; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.381-0.841) and 39% fewer hospitalizations (60.4% versus 74.5%; HR, 0.613; 95% CI, 0.530-0.710). Acute heart failure (HR, 0.386; 95% CI, 0.285-0.524), renal failure/dialysis (HR, 0.489; 95% CI, 0.413-0.579), and respiratory failure (HR, 0.484; 95% CI, 354-0.662) risks were significantly reduced. No differences were observed in graft failure/rejection, myocardial infarction, stroke, atrial fibrillation/flutter, ventricular tachycardia, or ischemic optic neuropathy.
CONCLUSIONS: Early GLP1RA initiation in liver transplant recipients was associated with reduced mortality, hospitalizations, respiratory, and cardiorenal complications without compromising graft safety. These findings support GLP1RAs as a promising adjunct therapy, warranting prospective trials to confirm benefits in this high-risk population.
Authors
Sheashaa, Hesham; Ibrahim, Ramzi; Elshaer, Amani; Pham, Hoang Nhat; Mouhaffel, Rama; Habib, Eiad; Abdelnabi, Mahmoud; Farina, Juan M; Lester, Steven J; Simper, David; Alsidawi, Said; Steidley, Eric D; Aqel, Bashar A; Barnhill, Michele; Kim, W Ray; Ayoub, Chadi; Arsanjani, Reza