Liraglutide in obese adolescents- experience from a Portuguese pediatric hospital

• Type: Thesis
• Date: 2024-06-18

Authors

Luísa Alexandra Nunes Roxo (Author) FMUP

Thesis

Liraglutide in obese adolescents- experience from a Portuguese pediatric hospital

Master's Degree

Dissertation

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences

Associated Institutions

fmup

Other information

Resumo (PT): Neste projeto pretende-se avaliar a eficácia do Liraglutide na redução do IMC e comorbilidades relacionadas com a obesidade em adolescentes com idade > 12 anos e IMC > 30Kg/m2, assim como os efeitos adversos relacionados com o fármaco aos 3, 6 e 12 meses após início do tratamento. O projeto consiste na colheita de dados epidemiológicos e antropométricos e a consulta de resultados de exames auxiliares de diagnóstico. Os dados recolhidos serão analisados garantindo sempre a confidencialidade e privacidade do participante.

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonists, used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, is currently under study for obesity. Possibilities for pediatric obesity treatment include lifestyle changes and, in particular cases, bariatric surgery. In 2020, the use of Liraglutide was approved for obese adolescents with BMI>30. Despite some adverse effects demonstrated by the drug, its efficacy has been weightily debated. Objectives: Analyze the impact of BMI and obesity-associated comorbidities at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment, as well as the adverse effects and their impact on treatment adherence. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 19 patients was conducted. We analyzed weight, height, BMI, fat mass, blood pressure, and analytical parameters. We considered the adverse effects of the drug and how they affected therapeutic adherence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.29 with a significance level of 0.05. For paired sample analysis, we applied the Wilcoxon test. Results: There are statistically significant differences, particularly in the BMI, weight, and fat mass of the participants, with no significant statistical differences observed in most comorbidities. One participant turned 18 and is now being followed in the adult’s endocrinology unit. The two main reasons for discontinuation of the Liraglutide were stock rupture and financial impossibility. Discussion: Despite the limited cohort, there is a significant decrease in some parameters, indicating a valid therapeutic option in obesity. The limited availability of the Liraglutide has become the primary reason for treatment discontinuation. It has an acceptable tolerability, with adverse effects being rare.

Language: English