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Use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists for pediatric patients with obesity and diabetes: The providers' perspectives
Author(s) -
Gourgari Evgenia,
HuertaSaenz Lina,
Tonyushkina Ksenia N.,
Rosolowsky Elizabeth T.,
GuttmannBauman Ines
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pediatric diabetes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.678
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1399-5448
pISSN - 1399-543X
DOI - 10.1111/pedi.13234
Subject(s) - liraglutide , medicine , medical prescription , pediatric endocrinology , obesity , diabetes mellitus , endocrine system , childhood obesity , type 2 diabetes , glucagon like peptide 1 , intensive care medicine , endocrinology , family medicine , pharmacology , hormone , overweight
Background Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RA) have been widely used in adults with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. We sought to evaluate the experience of pediatric endocrinology providers with GLP‐1RA and factors that guide them on whether and how to prescribe these medications. Methods We surveyed the members of the Pediatric Endocrine Society regarding the use of GLP‐1RA in their practice. Results The respondents ( n = 102) were predominantly from academic centers (84%) and 75%reported using GLP‐1RA in pediatric patients, mostly to treat T2D and obesity. Patient tolerance for the medication was reported to be the driving factor determining the duration of treatment. Gastrointestinal side effects were observed more commonly than local reactions or elevation of pancreatic enzymes. Lack of clinical experience was reported to be a major barrier for prescribing GLP‐1RA, particularly among those with more than 5 years of clinical experience. Finally, liraglutide was used more often (93%) than other GLP‐1RA. Conclusions The use of GLP‐1RA has increased in pediatric patients. Recent Food and Drug Administration approval of liraglutide for pediatric obesity will likely further increase its prescription rate. Providers should be vigilant about side effects and adjust the doses of GLP‐1RA accordingly. More efforts should be made by professional societies to educate pediatric endocrinology providers about the proper use of GLP‐1RA and enhance their confidence in prescribing these medications.