College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Keywords
intussusception, GLP1 receptor agonist, GI complications, semaglutide, gut motility, weight loss
Date of Presentation
5-1-2025 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity due to their benefits in glycemic control, weight loss, and cardioprotection. However, their effects on gastrointestinal (GI) motility raise concerns about potential complications, including bowel obstruction and, in rare cases, intussusception. We present a case of a 34-year-old male on semaglutide for weight loss who developed transient small bowel intussusception. The patient has no prior gastrointestinal surgeries or structural abnormalities, but he had a history of baseline slow bowel motility and was also diagnosed with influenza A during his hospitalization. His condition improved with conservative treatment, and semaglutide was discontinued due to its possible role in altering gut motility. This case highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of GLP-1 RA on intestinal peristalsis, particularly in patients with baseline motility dysfunction or systemic inflammation.
Disciplines
Digestive System Diseases | Emergency Medicine | Gastroenterology | Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists | Medicine and Health Sciences | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Pharmaceutical Preparations
Included in
Digestive System Diseases Commons, Emergency Medicine Commons, Gastroenterology Commons, Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Pharmaceutical Preparations Commons
Transient Small Bowel Intussusception in an Adult Patient: A Rare Complication of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity due to their benefits in glycemic control, weight loss, and cardioprotection. However, their effects on gastrointestinal (GI) motility raise concerns about potential complications, including bowel obstruction and, in rare cases, intussusception. We present a case of a 34-year-old male on semaglutide for weight loss who developed transient small bowel intussusception. The patient has no prior gastrointestinal surgeries or structural abnormalities, but he had a history of baseline slow bowel motility and was also diagnosed with influenza A during his hospitalization. His condition improved with conservative treatment, and semaglutide was discontinued due to its possible role in altering gut motility. This case highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of GLP-1 RA on intestinal peristalsis, particularly in patients with baseline motility dysfunction or systemic inflammation.
