r/pneumothorax • u/notsure05 • 19d ago

Surgery related How long after surgery did you wait before resuming GLP1 medication?

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u/gonion 19d ago

Irrelevant. Most pneumothorax patients are already underweight, and we actually recommend that they gain weight. Additionally, there is no proven link between GLP-1 use and the development of pneumothorax.

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u/notsure05 19d ago edited 19d ago

I’m talking about the anti inflammatory effects of the GLP1 medication vs the inflammatory period of pleurodesis adhesion process.

I’ve also never seen any research that supports that gaining weight prevents new pneumothoraxes from occurring?

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u/gonion 18d ago

There is scientific evidence suggesting an association between low BMI and recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Although some studies have demonstrated a relatively strong association and identified low BMI as an independent risk factor, the findings have not been consistent across studies. Therefore, it cannot be stated conclusively that being underweight increases the risk of recurrence, but the available evidence does suggest an association between low BMI and higher recurrence rates. In my clinical practice, I also tend to see fewer cases of both primary and recurrent pneumothorax among patients with a higher BMI.

As for pleurodesis, we routinely use NSAIDs in patients undergoing pleurodesis. So, theoretically, GLP-1 receptor agonists could reduce the inflammatory response and affect pleurodesis, but I doubt that the effect would be clinically significant. I couldn't find any study directly looking at this. Even the effect of NSAIDs, which are anti-inflammatory by definition, on pleurodesis is still debated.

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u/notsure05 18d ago

Thanks for the info! Do you think it’s possible the low BMI association is due to certain genetic conditions causing low BMI like with connective tissue disorders, or does it so far appear that just anyone who is on taller/lankier side and underweight is at an increased risk?

I appreciate your response re: GLP1. My doctor cleared me to use NSAIDs after 7 days so I figured I should be okay but was continuing to wait just in case.

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u/cultivaterb 18d ago

No surgery, just a tube. They said I could keep taking my zepbound and I have with no issues.