Japanese Patients With Obesity-Related Bronchial Asthma May Benefit From Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

TL;DR

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy improves asthma control in Japanese patients with obesity-related bronchial asthma.

Contribution

Demonstrates that bariatric surgery, specifically LSG, can enhance asthma control in patients with obesity-related asthma.

Findings

ACT scores improved significantly from 20.8 to 24.4 after surgery.

FEV1 increased significantly from 2.45 L to 2.74 L post-surgery.

SABA use decreased by 86.7% following the procedure.

Abstract

Background: Weight loss can effectively improve asthma control for some patients with obesity-related bronchial asthma, but it is difficult in certain patients. Bariatric surgery may enhance asthma control in such patients.

Objectives: We evaluate the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), as an example of bariatric surgery, on asthma control in patients with obesity-related bronchial asthma.

Methods: We analyzed 521 of our patients who underwent bariatric surgery between June 2016 and February 2024. They each had a self-reported history of bronchial asthma and were receiving treatment for it at the time of surgery. We assessed Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, short-acting beta agonist (SABA) use based on the ACT, and respiratory function tests before and after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon's signed rank test, with significance defined as P < 0.05.

Results: Fifteen patients were included (86.7% female, median age: 46 years, median body mass index (BMI): 41.0 kg/m², median ACT score: 22). Fourteen of them underwent only LSG; the other also had duodenal bypass. The median percentage total weight loss at six months post surgery was 21.8%. ACT scores improved from 20.8 ± 3.5 to 24.4 ± 1.2 points (P = 0.0039), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) increased from 2.45 ± 0.47 L to 2.74 ± 0.51 L (P = 0.0001), and SABA use decreased by 86.7%, indicating that the patients had better bronchial asthma control than before surgery.

Conclusion: LSG appears to improve asthma control in certain patients with obesity-related bronchial asthma.

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