BACKGROUND

Pose is an endolumenal weight-loss intervention in which suture anchors are placed endoscopically in the gastric fundus/distal gastric body. Observational studies of pose have shown safe, effective weight loss. Twelve-month results of a randomized controlled trial comparing weight loss and satiety after pose vs. conventional medical therapy are reported.

METHODS

Subjects with classes I-II obesity were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to pose or diet/exercise guidance only (control). Pose subjects received gastric fundus and distal body suture-anchor plications with diet/exercise counseling. Total body (%TBWL) and excess weight loss (%EWL) were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze 12-month %TBWL. Satiety changes were assessed at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

From November 2013 to July 2014, 44 subjects were randomized (34, 77.3 % female; mean age, 38.3 ± 10.7 years; body mass index, 36.5 ± 3.4 kg/m) to pose (n = 34) or control (n = 10) groups in three centers. Mean pose procedure time was 51.8 ± 14.5 min; pose subjects received a mean 8.8 ± 1.3 fundal and 4.2 ± 0.7 distal body plications. Twelve-month TBWL: pose, 13.0 % (EWL, 45.0 %), n = 30 vs. control group, 5.3 % (18.1 %), n = 9; significant mean difference, 7.7 % (95 % CI 2.2, 13.2; p < 0.01). Pose subjects showed significant reductions in satiety parameters (p < 0.001); controls experienced reduced caloric intake and satiety volume (p < 0.05). No serious device- or procedure-related adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized controlled trial at 12 months, pose-treated subjects had significantly greater weight loss than those treated with diet/exercise guidance alone. At 6 and 12 months, pose subjects showed significant reduction in satiety parameters.

STUDY REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov identifier # NCT01843231.