Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists after recent burn injury are associated with lower rates of infection, mortality, and opioid prescriptions.

INTRODUCTION

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are widely prescribed for glycemic control and weight loss. In addition, these medications have been associated with anti-inflammatory activity, modulation of wound healing, and reduction of substance use disorders. Therefore, GLP-1 RAs may have therapeutic benefits in burn care. This study investigates whether early administration of GLP-1 RAs after burn injury is associated with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The Global Collaborative Network was queried in TriNetX, a database of electronic health records. The treatment group included burn patients who received GLP-1 RAs within 30 days of injury. This group was propensity matched with patients who did not receive GLP-1 RAs. Patients were matched by demographics, comorbidities, and burn characteristics. Outcomes at 90 days and 1 year following burn injury were compared, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Following matching, each group was composed of 3231 patients. At 90 days post-burn, the GLP-1 RA group had significantly lower rates of soft tissue infection, opioid prescriptions, readmission, and mortality (all p < 0.05). At 1 year post-burn, lower rates of opioid prescriptions, readmission, and mortality persisted (all p < 0.05), while soft tissue infection rates remained numerically lower but did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were observed for wound disruption, hypertrophic scar formation, or contracture formation at either time point.

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1 RAs after recent burn injury were associated with lower risk of infection, opioid prescriptions, readmission, and mortality. Their utility in burn care is promising, and additional research is needed.