Effects of liraglutide on left ventricular function in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background Several studies have shown that exenatide protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury and improves cardiac function in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The effects of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, on STEMI patients remain unclear. We planned to evaluate the effects of liraglutide on left ventricular function after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI. Methods A total of 92 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either liraglutide or placebo for 7 days. Study treatment was commenced 30 minutes before intervention (1.8 mg) and maintained for 7 days after the procedure (0.6 mg for 2 days, 1.2 mg for 2 days, followed by 1.8 mg for 3 days). Eighty-five patients completed the trial. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular function. Results At 3 months, the primary end point, a difference in change of left ventricular ejection fraction between the two groups was +4.1% (95% CI +1.1% to +6.9%) ( P P = .20). Liraglutide could significantly improve stress hyperglycemia ( P Conclusion A short 7-day course of liraglutide in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with mild improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction at 3 months.