GLP-1 Receptor Agonists May Improve Outcomes in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

MONDAY, July 21, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) treatment is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with conventional therapies, according to a study published online July 14 in JAMA Neurology.Georgios S. Sioutas, M.D., from the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, and colleagues conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network between 2005 and 2024. Electronic health records from 67 health care organizations were referenced to examine initiation of GLP1-RA therapy within six months of IIH diagnosis. The control group included patients managed with conventional treatments, such as acetazolamide, topiramate, and dietary counseling.A total of 44,373 patients with IIH were identified; the cohort included 555 GLP-1 RA users and 555 nonusers, after propensity score matching. The researchers found that use of GLP-1 RAs was associated with lower medication use, reduced headaches, visual disturbances or blindness, and papilledema (risk ratios, 0.53, 0.45, 0.60, and 0.19, respectively). The GLP-1 RA group also had a lower risk of procedures and mortality (risk ratios, 0.44 and 0.36, respectively), but no difference was seen between the groups in mean body mass index (BMI) at follow-up. Similar associations were seen in sensitivity analysis stratified by BMI (≥40 versus <40 kg/m2). Greater weight loss was seen in association with bariatric surgery, but better outcomes were seen in association with GLP-1 RA therapy."This retrospective multicenter study suggests GLP-1 RAs may benefit IIH management," the authors write. "However, prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings."Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)Editorial (subscription or payment may be required).Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists May Improve Outcomes in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

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