An observational study in Aspiration Pneumonia, sponsored by Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra. Recruiting at 2 sites in Spain. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 90 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-05-05.
Sponsored by Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra · Observational
1. Introduction
Scheduled surgery requires patients to undergo a preoperative fasting period of at least 6 hours to reduce the risk of perioperative pulmonary aspiration. However, certain medications and conditions may delay gastric emptying, potentially increasing aspiration risk. These include diabetic gastroparesis and the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are widely used due to their beneficial effects on glycemic control and weight reduction. However, one of their known effects is delayed gastric emptying, which may result in increased residual gastric content despite adherence to standard fasting guidelines. Recent reports have described cases of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists, even after appropriate fasting.
Given the increasing use of these medications, there is a need for objective assessment tools to evaluate gastric content in the perioperative setting. Gastric ultrasonography has emerged as a non-invasive bedside technique that may help identify patients at increased risk of aspiration and guide airway management strategies.
2. Hypothesis
Gastric ultrasonography performed by trained anesthesiologists is a useful tool for assessing gastric content and may support clinical decision-making in airway management in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
3. Methodology
This is a prospective, observational cohort study conducted at participating centers.
The study population consists of adult patients undergoing scheduled surgery under general anesthesia following a standard preoperative fasting period.
Inclusion criteria:
Exclusion criteria:
Presence of clinically significant arrhythmias
4. Description of the Intervention
Immediately prior to anesthesia induction, gastric ultrasonography will be performed by trained investigators at participating centers, with the patient in both supine and right lateral decubitus positions.
Qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative assessments of gastric content and volume will be performed according to the methodology described by Perlas et al. Data will be recorded in a standardized study database.
Anesthetic and surgical management will proceed according to routine clinical practice.
5. Ethical, Legal, and Economic Considerations
Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to study inclusion.
This is an observational study with no modification of standard clinical care. No additional risks beyond routine clinical practice are anticipated.
Gastric ultrasonography will be performed using equipment available at participating centers, and no additional costs are expected.
6. Results
Study data will be analyzed by the investigators. Results will be disseminated through scientific publications and presentations.
72 studies on the registry are indexed under Pneumonia, Aspiration; 11 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 39 is below the median of 91 across 27 observational studies indexed under Pneumonia, Aspiration.
Browse Pneumonia, Aspiration studies →Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra is the lead sponsor of 160 studies on the registry; 36 are open to participants now.
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The reference population will consist of patients undergoing scheduled surgery with a conventional preoperative fasting period (at least 6 hours).
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Adults patients ,, taking GLP-1 analog medications, undergoing scheduled surgery.
Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
The anaesthetists’ scale of health before surgery: I is healthy, II has a mild illness that is under control, III a severe one, IV a severe illness that is a constant threat to life. V and VI are used for the critically ill and for organ donors.
ASA physical status
The anaesthetists’ scale of health before surgery: I is healthy, II has a mild illness that is under control, III a severe one, IV a severe illness that is a constant threat to life. V and VI are used for the critically ill and for organ donors.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Patients undergoing treatment with GLP-1 agonists, from any geographical area, who choose to undergo scheduled and/or urgent surgery under general anesthesia and/or sedation at our hospital over a two-year period (2024-2025).
Diagnostic Test: Gastric Ultrasound
Gastric Ultrasound
Gastric Ultrasound
Gastric ultrasonography performed by trained anesthesiologists, for measuring gastric content in volume (cm3) is a useful tool for assessing gastric content and making clinical decisions regarding airway management.
Time frame: Immediately prior to induction of anesthesia
weight in kilograms
Weight in kilograms
Time frame: Immediately prior to induction of anesthesia
Height in centimeters
Height in centimeters
Time frame: Immediately prior to induction of anesthesia
BMI in kg/m^2
Weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m\^2
Time frame: Immediately prior to induction of anesthesia
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