Abstract: SA-PO0427
Real-World Mortality and Hospitalization Outcomes Associated with GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use in Patients on Dialysis
Session Information
- CKM: Clinical - Epidemiology and Outcomes
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health
- 602 Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: Clinical
Authors
- Lama, Suman Kumar, Renal Research Institute, New York, United States
- Chaudhuri, Sheetal, Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States
- Blankenship, Derek, Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States
- Nandorine Ban, Andrea, Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States
- Usvyat, Len A., Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, United States
- Pecoits-Filho, Roberto, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, School of Medicine, Curitiba, Brazil
- Hippen, Benjamin E., Fresenius Medical Care Holdings Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Background
Patients receiving dialysis face high mortality and hospitalization rates. Evidence for incretin-based therapies in dialysis patients remains limited.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from January 1, 2023 to November 1, 2025. Adult patients initiating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) therapy were identified and 1:1 propensity score matched to non-users based on demographic and clinical characteristics. The most commonly prescribed GLP-1RAs were Semaglutide (48.1%), Dulaglutide (29.2%), and Tirzepatide (14.3%); other agents accounted for 8.4% of prescriptions. The final cohort included 2,468 GLP-1RA users and 2,468 matched non-users. Outcomes included 3-year all-cause mortality and hospitalization metrics. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to evaluate mortality risk. Annualized hospitalization rates were expressed per patient-year.
Results
GLP-1RA users had lower cumulative mortality than matched non-users. At 2 years, deaths were 196 vs 547 and at 3 years, 290 vs 661 among GLP-1RA users and non-users, respectively. GLP-1RA use was associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.38; 95% CI, 0.33–0.44) (Figure 1). Hospitalization burden was also lower among GLP-1RA users. Total admissions were 5,565 in the GLP-1RA group compared with 7,689 in non-users. Average admissions per patient were 2.26 for GLP-1RA users versus 3.11 for non-users. Annualized hospitalization rates were 1.68 and 2.12, respectively.
Conclusion
In this propensity score–matched dialysis population, GLP-1RA initiation was associated with significantly lower mortality and reduced hospitalization. These findings suggest potential benefits of GLP-1RAs beyond their metabolic and weight loss effects in high-risk dialysis populations. This real-world evidence supports that the clinical benefits of incretin-based therapies observed in other populations may extend to patients receiving dialysis.