Abstract
Purpose of review: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) prevalence increased in conjunction with rising obesity rates. Here, we highlight the importance of weigh management in IIH, and introduce glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RA) as potential treatment strategy for IIH.
Recent findings: Weight gain is a risk factor for IIH; and weight loss (via any treatment strategy) plays a key role in IIH management. GLP-1 is an incretin secreted by the distal small intestine in response to a meal. GLP-1 RA have been shown to improve glycaemic control (no. hypoglycaemia) and lower body weight in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. The choroid plexus has been found to express GLP-1 receptors and treatment with a GLP-1 RA significantly reduces cerebrospinal fluid secretion in vitro and intracranial pressure in rodents.
Summary: New research evaluating the pathophysiology of IIH supports GLP-1 RA as a potential treatment for IIH via weight loss dependant and independent mechanism to directly reduce intracranial pressure.
Recent findings: Weight gain is a risk factor for IIH; and weight loss (via any treatment strategy) plays a key role in IIH management. GLP-1 is an incretin secreted by the distal small intestine in response to a meal. GLP-1 RA have been shown to improve glycaemic control (no. hypoglycaemia) and lower body weight in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. The choroid plexus has been found to express GLP-1 receptors and treatment with a GLP-1 RA significantly reduces cerebrospinal fluid secretion in vitro and intracranial pressure in rodents.
Summary: New research evaluating the pathophysiology of IIH supports GLP-1 RA as a potential treatment for IIH via weight loss dependant and independent mechanism to directly reduce intracranial pressure.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Neurology: Clinical Practice |
| Early online date | 3 Mar 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 3 Mar 2021 |
