Use of liraglutide for management of high output stoma after small bowel resection in Crohn’s disease: a case report

A high output stoma (HOS) is a pertinent complication of short bowel syndrome (SBS) associated with significant morbidity and detrimental impact on patient quality of life. Glucagon-like peptide-1 and -2 (GLP-1 and GLP-2) agonists are novel, promising therapies for HOS when conventional medical management has failed, and further surgery is not viable. This case report outlines the use of liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, in the successful management of HOS following ischaemic perforation of small bowel Crohn’s disease requiring formation of an end jejunostomy. After no response to standard medical therapy, daily subcutaneous administration of subcutaneous liraglutide induced a significant reduction in stoma output, increased body weight and self-reported quality of life. This case suggests GLP-1 agonists as viable therapeutic options for managing refractory HOS in SBS.