JHLT Open (Aug 2024)

Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist use for obesity treatment in patients with left ventricular assist devices

  • Michele Edwards, MSN, APRN,
  • Melanie Thomas, MSN, APRN,
  • Maryjane Farr, MD, MSc,
  • Densey Varghese, MSN, APRN,
  • Lauren K. Truby, MD, MS,
  • Jennifer T. Thibodeau, MD, MSCS,
  • Mark H. Drazner, MD, MSc,
  • Matthias Peltz, MD,
  • Justin L. Grodin, MD, MPH,
  • Nicholas S. Hendren, MD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5
p. 100114

Abstract

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Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists are effective weight loss treatments, yet few data are available regarding their use in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices. We report our single-center experience with glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist use in 21 patients with World Health Organization class I to III obesity on durable left ventricular assist device support. During therapy, patients experienced a median weight change of −12.4 (−20.0 to −2.9) kg and a −7.4% (−16.3 to −2.1) change in body weight with a median time on glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist therapy of 12 (6-22) months. Of these, 17 of 21 patients lost weight (median change −14.0kg [−21.8 to −5.3], −9.5% [−18.0 to −4.0] body weight) and 9 of 21 had a speed reduction. No major adverse events were attributed to glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist therapy. At our center, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists use was well tolerated, safe, and associated with weight loss in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices.

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