“Efficacy and safety of liraglutide in pediatric Obesity:A systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials”

Introduction

Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been explored for its potential benefits in managing paediatric obesity. This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of liraglutide compared to placebo in this paediatric population with obesity.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on liraglutide in children with obesity. Five studies with 247 participants were included. Primary outcomes included changes in BMI SDS, BMI, and body weight, and secondary outcomes included fasting serum insulin, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, SBP, DSP, and safety outcomes.

Results

The meta-analysis included five randomized controlled trials with 247 participants evaluating liraglutide in pediatric obesity. Liraglutide significantly reduced BMI SDS, with a pooled mean difference of −0.17 (p = 0.003), BMI (mean difference: 1.28, p = 0.0008), and body weight (mean difference: 1.83, p = 0.03). Secondary outcomes showed significant reductions in fasting serum insulin levels (pooled effect size: 0.39, p < 0.00001), but no significant effects were observed for DSP (p = 0.29), fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.07), HbA1c (p = 0.09), or systolic blood pressure (p = 0.09). Safety analysis revealed a higher incidence of adverse events in the treatment group (risk ratio: 1.25, p = 0.18), but no significant differences were found in serious adverse events or adverse events leading to therapy discontinuation.

Conclusions

Liraglutide is effective in reducing BMI SDS, BMI, and body weight in pediatric obesity. While it significantly reduces fasting serum insulin levels, other secondary outcomes did not show significant changes. The safety profile of liraglutide shows a higher incidence of adverse events but no increase in serious adverse events or discontinuation rates. These findings support liraglutide's role as an effective and manageable treatment option for pediatric obesity.