Intragastric Balloon in Obese Compensated Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Cirrhosis Patients Is Safe and Achieves Significant Weight Reduction at 6-Months.

Background And Study Aims: Weight reduction is the mainstay treatment for Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). intragastric balloon (IGB) placement has proven benefit in terms of weight reduction. The aim of the present study is to assess the safety and efficacy of IGB placement in compensated NASH cirrhosis.

Patients And Methods: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis patients with CTP ≤ 7, BMI of > 30, and who were unable to achieve weight reduction with lifestyle modification in past 3 months were prospectively enrolled. Spatz3™ adjustable gastric balloon was placed endoscopically. Primary objective was to determine efficacy in weight loss at 6 months, with secondary objectives of reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), liver fat (controlled attenuation parameter, CAP), liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and clinical events as well as the tolerability and adverse events due to IGB placement.

Results: Altogether 56 cirrhosis patients, with a baseline BMI of 35.24 ± 3.92 and a CTP score of 6.27 ± 1.28 underwent IGB placement. The absolute weight reduction achieved was 15.88 kg (- 16.46%) and reduction in BMI was - 10.1% at 6 months. The percentage total body weight loss of ≥ 10% was achieved in 31 (55.35%) patients. The reduction in HVPG at 6-months was 11.12% (n = 16, 14.18 ± 2.12 to 12.60 ± 1.67 mmHg). The mean reduction in LSM was 28.6% and in CAP was 10.09%. Three (5.36%) patients required removal of IGB before 6-months due to persisting vomiting. No patient developed new-onset decompensation or any serious adverse event.

Conclusion: IGB placement is a safe, well tolerated and effective option for reduction in weight and portal pressure in compensated obese cirrhosis patients.

Trial Registry: Clinicaltrails.gov identifier no: NCT03753438.