Utilization of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist at the Time of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Patients Who Have Morbid Obesity

Morbid obesity negatively affects outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The optimal strategy for weight loss before THA has not been identified. Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become increasingly popular as an effective pharmacologic weight loss agent. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of perioperative GLP-1 RA use in patients who have morbid obesity undergoing primary THA on postoperative outcomes. Using an administrative claims database, patients who had morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40.0) undergoing primary THA were identified. Patients who had morbid obesity and GLP-1 RA use for three months before and after surgery (treatment) were matched to patients who had morbid obesity without GLP-1 RA use (control) and to a comparison group of patients who had severe obesity (BMI = 35.0 to 39.9) in a 1:4:4 ratio, resulting in 771, 3,084, and 3,084 patients in the treatment, control, and severe obesity comparison group, respectively. Overall group differences in 90-day and 2-year postoperative outcomes were compared using univariable tests, followed by post hoc pairwise testing and P-value adjustment. Patients who had morbid obesity on GLP-1 RA had a significantly lower rate of 90-day periprosthetic joint infection (1.6 versus 3.2%; P = 0.03), readmission (6.9 versus 9.7%; P = 0.04), any medical complication (10.5 versus 14.1%; P = 0.03), and postoperative hematoma formation (0 versus 1.3%, P < 0.01) than controls. Patients who had morbid obesity on GLP-1 RA demonstrated lower rates of hematoma formation (0 versus 1.0%; P < 0.01) than patients who had severe obesity (BMI = 35.0 to 39.9). There were no differences in 2-year surgical complications. Perioperative use of GLP-1 RA in patients who had morbid obesity is associated with reduced risk of acute periprosthetic joint infection and 90-day hospital readmission. The risk is reduced to a level comparable to obese patients who have a BMI < 40.0. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the true effect and mechanism of action.