The impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on the quality indicators of colonoscopy – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a newer class of glucose-lowering drugs with established cardiovascular benefit. However, their impact on bowel preparation quality remains controversial.

Aims

This article aimed to assess the association between GLP-1 RA use and colonoscopy quality indicators.

Methods

Electronic searches of PubMed and Embase were conducted up to January 2025. Clinical trials comparing colonoscopy quality indicators between GLP-1 RA users and controls were included. Non-English literature, meeting abstracts, and unpublished data were excluded. The primary outcome was the rate of inadequate bowel preparation; secondary outcomes included BBPS scores and adenoma/polyp detection rate (ADR/PDR).

Results

Six trials were included, involving 8778 GLP-1 RA users and 8290 controls. GLP-1 RA users had a higher rate of inadequate bowel preparation (risk difference = 0.06, 95 % CI 0.05–0.08, p < 0.001, I² = 39 %). Total BBPS scores were lower among GLP-1 RA users (mean difference = -0.31, 95 % CI -0.39–-0.23, p < 0.001, I² = 0 %). Two studies reported increased ADR/PDR in GLP-1 RA users; one showed a neutral result.

Conclusion

GLP-1 RA is associated with inadequate bowel preparation. Further research is needed to establish the optimal GLP-1 RA washout period before colonoscopy.