Safety and efficacy of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonism-based therapies in end-stage renal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
GLP-1 drugs safely reduced weight in kidney disease patients previously excluded from trials, opening new treatment possibilities for this high-risk group.
The first systematic review and meta-analysis of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies in ESRD (n=388, 19 studies, 91.5% on RRT) demonstrates significant weight reduction at 6 and 12 months (semaglutide: -3.68kg and -7.00kg) with an acceptable safety profile. Evidence is primarily hypothesis-generating from observational studies, underscoring the urgent need for prospective RCTs in this high-risk, treatment-underserved population previously excluded from major GLP-1 trials.
What the study was
- Study design
- meta_analysis
- Population
- Adults with end-stage renal disease (GFR<15 or on RRT), 91.5% on renal replacement therapy
- Sample size
- 388
- Category
- GLP-1 / Renal
- Maturity
- Exploratory
- Journal
- Endocr Pract
Why it surfaced
First systematic review for GLP-1 RA in ESRD; semaglutide significant weight reduction at 12m (-7kg) with acceptable AE profile; addresses critical data gap (ESRD excluded from major GLP-1 trials); ESRD is high cardiovascular risk, high mortality, high unmet need population.
A plain-language summary of published research — not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about your own care.