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

Abstract

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-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) kgs 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, 17/21 patients lost weight (median change -14.0 kg [-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 was associated with weight loss in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices.