Semaglutide use before single-level lumbar fusion associated with fewer readmissions and 90-day costs.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2025
Abstract
CONTEXT: Semaglutide, a glucagon-like protein-1 receptor agonist used in diabetes and obesity management, has demonstrated perioperative benefits in other surgical populations. However, its role in spine surgery remains unclear.
AIMS: This study aims to evaluate whether patients undergoing single-level lumbar fusion demonstrate: (1) fewer medical complications; (2) surgical complications; and (3) healthcare utilization as measured by readmissions and costs.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study using a national claims database from 2010 to 2021.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing single-level lumbar fusion were identified and matched 1:5 using propensity scores based on age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, diabetes-related complications, insulin/metformin use, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (semaglutide:
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Multivariate logistic regression for binary outcomes; cost comparisons conducted with appropriate statistical adjustments.
RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in rates of cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarctions, venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, hypoglycemia, or surgical site infections (SSIs) (
CONCLUSIONS: Semaglutide use before single-level lumbar fusion is associated with reduced 90-day readmissions and costs without increasing complication risk.
Volume
16
Issue
4
First Page
401
Last Page
407
ISSN
0974-8237
Published In/Presented At
Ng, M. K., Mastrokostas, P. G., Rodriguez, A. N., Razi, A., Mastrokostas, L. E., Emara, A. K., Ford, B. T., Xu, J. J., Dalton, J., Narayanan, R., Kepler, C. K., Hilibrand, A. S., Vaccaro, A. R., Monsef, J. B., & Razi, A. E. (2025). Semaglutide use before single-level lumbar fusion associated with fewer readmissions and 90-day costs. Journal of craniovertebral junction & spine, 16(4), 401–407. https://doi.org/10.4103/jcvjs.jcvjs_156_25
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
41377827
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article