Technical Variations and Considerations around OAGB in IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC Chapters, an Expert Survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the technical variations of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) among IFSO-APC and MENAC experts. BACKGROUND: The multitude of technical variations and patient selection challenges among metabolic and bariatric surgeons worldwide necessitates a heightened awareness of these issues. Understanding different perspectives and viewpoints can empower surgeons performing OAGB to adapt their techniques, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications. METHODS: The scientific team of IFSO-APC, consisting of skilled bariatric and metabolic surgeons specializing in OAGB, conducted a confidential online survey. The survey aimed to assess technical variations and considerations related to OAGB within the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. A total of 85 OAGB experts participated in the survey, providing their responses through a 35-question online format. The survey took place from January 1, 2024, to February 15, 2024. RESULTS: Most experts do not perform OAGB for children and adolescents younger than 18 years. Most experts create the gastric pouch over a 36-40-F bougie and prefer to create a gastrojejunostomy, at the posterior wall of the gastric pouch. An anti-reflux suture during OAGB is performed in all patients by 51.8% of experts. Most experts set a common limb length of > 4 m in revisional and conversional OAGBs to prevent nutritional complications. CONCLUSION: The ongoing debate among metabolic and bariatric surgeons regarding the technical variations and patient selection in OAGB remains a significant point of discussion. This survey demonstrated the variations in technical aspects and patient selection for OAGB among MBS surgeons in the IFSO-APC and IFSO-MENAC chapters. Standardizing the OAGB technique is crucial to ensure optimal safety and efficacy in this procedure.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery in patients with class I obesity; a two-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Patients with class I obesity may need metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in the presence of obesity-associated medical problems, but MBS in this class of obesity is under debate. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of MBS in patients with class I obesity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study was a historical cohort carried out on 112 patients with class I obesity with body mass index (BMI) of 30-35 kg/m2 with a 24-month follow-up underwent MBS at Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital. The required data were extracted through the Iran National Obesity Surgery Database. The data required for the study consisted of demographic information such as age, gender, and obesity-associated medical problems like type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia before surgery, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 38.10 ± 10.04 years; mean BMI was 32.96 ± 1.35 kg/m2 and 83.9% (n = 94) of patients were female. Out of 18 patients with T2DM, 11 patients (61.11%) had complete remission and seven patients (38.88%) had partial remission. Obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were observed in 18 (16.07%), 23 (20.53%), 43 (38.39%), and 13 patients (11.60%) before surgery and resolved at 24-month follow-up. Post-operative complications during the 24-month follow-up were checked to assess safety and there were no De novo gastroesophageal reflux disease, intolerance, leakage, pulmonary thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, incisional hernia, hypoalbuminemia (Albumin < 3.5 g/dl), excessive weight loss (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) at any time during 24-months follow-ups and mortality. Early complications occurred as splenic injury in one case (0.89%), wound infection in one patient (0.89%), and extra-luminal bleeding in 10 (8.92%) after surgery, without any mortality. CONCLUSION: MBS is safe and effective in class I obesity and can be considered in selected patients with obesity-associated medical problems.

Five-Year BAROS Score Outcomes for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been shown to enhance the quality of life (QoL) in individuals with obesity. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) is a highly reliable scoring system utilized to assess weight loss, obesity-associated medical conditions, and QoL following MBS. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in improving health outcomes for individuals with severe obesity, employing the BAROS questionnaire. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, enrolling 299 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher who had undergone primary MBS (RYGB, OAGB, or SG) and had a 5-year follow-up. Patients were evaluated using the BAROS scoring system, which included measures of % excess weight loss (%EWL), improvement and remission of obesity-related medical problems, and postoperative short-term and long-term complications. RESULTS: The mean age and pre-op BMI of the patients was 39.4 ± 9.4 years and 44.6± 6.5 kg/m2, respectively. The total BAROS score was significantly higher in patients who underwent OAGB compared to those who underwent RYGB and SG (P, 0.02). However, no significant differences were observed in other aspects of the BAROS score, such as QoL. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that all three common metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures (SG, RYGB, and OAGB) significantly improved the QoL after surgery. Furthermore, patients who underwent OAGB had a significantly higher total BAROS score at the 5-year follow-up compared to those who underwent RYGB and SG.

Comparing the safety and efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in elderly (>60 years) with severe obesity: an umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Today, bariatric surgeons face the challenge of treating older adults with class III obesity. The indications and outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus sleeve gastrectomy (SG) also constitute a controversy. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were searched to retrieve systematic reviews/meta-analyses published by 1 March 2022. The selected articles were qualitatively evaluated using A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). RESULTS: An umbrella review included six meta-analyses retrieved from the literature. The risk of early-emerging and late-emerging complications decreased by 55% and 41% in the patients underwent SG than in those receiving RYGB, respectively. The chance of the remission of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnoea, respectively increased by 43% and 6%, but type-2 diabetes mellitus decreased by 4% in the patients underwent RYGB than in those receiving SG. RYGB also increased excess weight loss by 15.23% in the patients underwent RYGB than in those receiving SG. CONCLUSION: Lower levels of mortality and early-emerging and late-emerging complications were observed in the older adults undergoing SG than in those receiving RYGB, which was, however, more efficient in term of weight loss outcomes and recurrence of obesity-related diseases.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with low body mass index: an online survey of 543 bariatric and metabolic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in patients with low body mass index patients is a topic of debate. This study aimed to address all aspects of controversies in these patients by using a worldwide survey. METHODS: An online 35-item questionnaire survey based on existing controversies surrounding MBS in class 1 obesity was created by 17 bariatric surgeons from 10 different countries. Responses were collected and analysed by authors. RESULTS: A total of 543 bariatric surgeons from 65 countries participated in this survey. 52.29% of participants agreed with the statement that MBS should be offered to class-1 obese patients without any obesity related comorbidities. Most of the respondents (68.43%) believed that MBS surgery should not be offered to patients under the age of 18 with class I obesity. 81.01% of respondents agreed with the statement that surgical interventions should be considered after failure of non-surgical treatments. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in metabolic/bariatric surgery in patients with class 1 obesity. Precise analysis of these results is useful for identifying different aspects for future research and consensus building.

Management of leaks following one-anastomosis gastric bypass: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 44 318 patients.

INTRODUCTION: One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) complication, such as leakage, can be dangerous and should be managed properly, yet little data exist in the literature regarding the management of leaks after OAGB, and there are no guidelines to date. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature and 46 studies, examining 44 318 patients were included. RESULTS: There were 410 leaks reported in 44 318 patients of OAGB published in the literature, which represents a prevalence of 1% of leaks after OAGB. The surgical strategy was very variable among all the different studies; 62.1% of patients with leaks had to undergo another surgery due to the leak. The most commonly performed procedure was peritoneal washout and drainage (with or without T-tube placement) in 30.8% of patients, followed by conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 9.6% of patients. Medical treatment with antibiotics, with or without total parenteral nutrition alone, was conducted in 13.6% of patients. Among the patients with the leak, the mortality rate related to the leak was 1.95%, and the mortality due to the leak in the population of OAGB was 0.02%. CONCLUSION: The management of leaks following OAGB requires a multidisciplinary approach. OAGB is a safe operation with a low leak risk rate, and the leaks can be managed successfully if detected in a timely fashion.

Predictors of Weight Regain and Insufficient Weight Loss According to Different Definitions After Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Retrospective Analytical Study.

BACKGROUND: Weight regain (WR) and insufficient weight loss (IWL) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are challenging issues. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of WR and IWL after SG. METHODS: In this retrospective analytical study, 568 patients who underwent SG at Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between January 2015 and April 2022 were evaluated. A total of 333 patients were included. WR and IWL were evaluated by multiple criteria such as a BMI of > 35 kg/m2, an increase in BMI of > 5 kg/m2 above nadir, an increase in weight of > 10 kg above nadir, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) < 50% at 18 months, an increase in weight of > 25% of EWL from nadir at 36 months, and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) < 20% at 36 months. All participants were followed up for 36 months. RESULT: The univariate analysis showed that preoperative BMI, obstructive sleep apnea, metformin consumption, and grades 2 and 3 fatty liver disease were associated with WR and IWL (P < 0.05). WR or IWL incidence varied (0-19.3%) based on different definitions. The multivariate analysis showed that a preoperative BMI of > 45 kg/m2 [odds ratioAdjusted (ORAdj) 1.77, 95% CI: 1.12-4.11, P = 0.038] and metformin consumption [ORAdj: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.19-0.78, P = 0.001] were associated with WR and IWL after SG, regardless of the definition of WR or IWL. CONCLUSION: This study showed that preoperative BMI of > 45 kg/m2, obstructive sleep apnea, metformin consumption, and grades 2 and 3 of fatty liver disease were associated with WR or IWL.

Bariatric Surgery in Migraine patients: CGRP Level and Weight Loss.

BACKGROUND: Obesity makes migraine more prevalent and severe. Serum level of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is associated with the severity of migraine attacks. Although the effect of weight and bariatric surgery has been studied on migraine, the role of CGRP in migraine remission after weight loss surgery needs more investigation. METHODS: Patients with severe obesity who were bariatric surgery candidates and had been diagnosed with chronic migraine were included in this study. Weight, BMI, number of days with headache in the past 3 months, and severity of headaches in 10-point Likert VAS, Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Migraine Specific Quality of life (MSQ) questionnaire scores, and serum CGRP levels were evaluated before and within 6-10 months after surgery. RESULT: Sixty patients with chronic migraine with severe obesity were included. Ninety-five percent of patients reported a significantly lower number of attacks (21 to 8, p < 0.001) and severity of headaches within 90-day (7.7 to 4.8, p < 0.001); MIDAS (64.4 to 25.5, p < 0.001) and MSQ scores (44.6 to 26.8, p < 0.001) and CGRP level (252.7 to 130.1, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced after surgery with a mean follow-up of 7.5 months. Changes in MIDAS, MSQ, and CGRP were significantly associated with weight-related variables. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery decreases the frequency of migraine attacks, lessens the severity of headaches, and improves the quality of life and disability as well as CGRP plasma levels, suggesting CGRP as a possible etiology in the migraine-obesity link.

B1 Vitamin Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery, Prevalence, and Symptoms: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

B1 deficiency is a very prevalent complication of bariatric surgery. This study reviews prevalence and symptoms of B1 vitamin deficiency after bariatric surgery. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published were searched up to 10 Feb 2022, with the following keywords: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, one anastomosis gastric bypass, Omega bypass, Mini bypass, Bariatric surgery OR Bariatric surgery, metabolic surgery, Weight loss surgery, Classic gastric bypass, Loop gastric bypass, Gastric Bypass, thiamine OR thiamin, beriberi, B1. A total of 11 studies examining 1494 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Twenty-seven percent of patients who underwent bariatric surgeries experience vitamin B1 deficiency. Thiamine supplements should be prescribed for the patients for the rest of their lives, and also standard post-surgery follow-ups are necessary in terms of monitoring dietary factors.

Current Status of Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis intend to evaluate the efficacy of metabolic/bariatric surgeries (MBS) in patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were performed in electronic databases up to July 2021. In total, 27 primary studies comprising 648 subjects were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients had a mean age of 38.0 ± 7.3 years. Preoperative mean BMI was 42.6 ± 4.7 kg/m2 and 29.4 ± 4.7 kg/m2 after surgery, respectively. Following bariatric surgeries in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, insulin (unit/day) decreased by a weighted mean difference (WMD) of - 10.59. Also, insulin (unit/kg/day) decreased by a WMD of - 0.2, and HbA1C decreased by a WMD of - 0.71, showing MBS acceptable and durable effects of bariatric surgical procedures.

Selenium Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery, Incidence and Symptoms: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study review the prevalence of selenium deficiency after bariatric surgery, incidence, and symptoms. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis was performed in PubMed and Scopus for articles published by November 1, 2021, including the keywords "Roux-en Y gastric bypass", "RYGB", "Omega bypass", "Mini bypass", "One anastomosis gastric bypass", "Bariatric surgery", "Weight loss surgery", "Metabolic surgery", "Gastric bypass", "Loop gastric bypass", "Selenium", "Selenium deficiency", or a combination of aimed tothem in the title or abstract. In this review, nine studies examining a total of 1174 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The mean age of the patients was 41.14 ± 7.69 years. The mean interval between bariatric surgery and selenium deficiency was 40.36 ± 43.29 months. Mean BMI before surgery and at the time of selenium deficiency was 43.68 ± 4.91 kg/m2 and 28.41 ± 9.09 kg/m2, respectively. Additionally, the results showed a prevalence of 16% and 2% of selenium deficiency at 1- and 2-year follow-up after bariatric surgery, respectively. Symptoms included weakness, myopathy, and cardiomyopathy, loss of muscle mass, erythematous desquamating eruption, lethargy, dyspnea, and bilateral lower extremity pitting edema. Forty percent of studies reported "Selenium orally (100 µg once daily)" as treatment option. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including dietitians, should be involved in the bariatric patient's care. As a result, clinicians should encourage patients to take supplements for the rest of their lives, and patients should be monitored after surgery if necessary.

The first survey addressing patients with BMI over 50: a survey of 789 bariatric surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery in patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 is a challenging task. The aim of this study was to address main issues regarding perioperative management of these patients by using a worldwide survey. METHODS: An online 48-item questionnaire-based survey on perioperative management of patients with a BMI superior to 50 kg/m2 was ideated by 15 bariatric surgeons from 9 different countries. The questionnaire was emailed to all members of the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity (IFSO). Responses were collected and analyzed by the authors. RESULTS: 789 bariatric surgeons from 73 countries participated in the survey. Most surgeons (89.9%) believed that metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS) on patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 should only be performed by expert bariatric surgeons. Half of the participants (55.3%) believed that weight loss must be encouraged before surgery and 42.6% of surgeons recommended an excess weight loss of at least 10%. However, only 3.6% of surgeons recommended the insertion of an Intragastric Balloon as bridge therapy before surgery. Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) was considered the best choice for patients younger than 18 or older than 65 years old. SG and One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass were the most common procedures for individuals between 18 and 65 years. Half of the surgeons believed that a 2-stage approach should be offered to patients with BMI > 50 kg/m2, with SG being the first step. Postoperative thromboprophylaxis was recommended for 2 and 4 weeks by 37.8% and 37.7% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in bariatric surgery practice regarding patients with a BMI superior to 50 kg/m2. Careful analysis of these results is useful for identifying several areas for future research and consensus building.

Cruroplasty added to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; does it decrease postoperative incidence of de-novo acid reflux?: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG) is the most popular bariatric surgery worldwide. Postoperative de-novo acid reflux is one of the major common complications of the procedure. Different additive anti-reflux surgical techniques have been tried to decrease the complication although no favorable outcome is obtained. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of concurrent cruroplasty during LSG on postoperative de-novo acid reflux incidence rate. METHODS: In current participant-blinded randomised controlled trial total of 80 subjects who were candidate for LSG were enrolled from the September 2018 to the December 2019. Following matching patients by gender and age, simple randomization method was held to allocate participants to LSG alone and LSG + cruroplasty groups with equal 40 members in each. Demographic data, length of hospital stay, and operation time was registered. Presence of acid reflux was looked by using gastroesophageal reflux disease-health related quality of life(GERD-HRQL) questionnaire prior and 6 months after surgery in follow-up visit. RESULTS: Finally 12/28 and 14/26 male/females with 38.5 ± 10.7 and 39.7 ± 8.2 years of age were recruited in LSG alone and LSG + cruroplasty, respectively.(p > 0.05) The length of operative time was significantly shorter in LSG alone(p < 0.01) although no obvious difference was existed in length of hospital stay between groups.(p = 0.7) Postoperative de-novo acid reflux also was not considerably lesser after cruroplasty compared with controls.(p = 0.1) The GERD-HRQL scores were not remarkable between subjects of study groups.(p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Equipping LSG with concurrent cruroplasty to diminish postoperative de-novo gastroesophageal acid reflux is not effective and not recommended in absence of other indications.

Reversal to normal anatomy after one-anastomosis/mini gastric bypass, indications and results: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review evaluates the indications and outcomes of one-anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) reversal to normal anatomy. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles published by October 1, 2020, including the keywords "one anastomosis gastric bypass," "OAGB," "mini gastric bypass," "MGB," "reversal," "reverse," "malnutrition," and "reversal bariatric surgery". After examining 182 papers involving 11,578 patients, 14 studies were included. A reversal was performed in 119 patients on average 23.6 months after the primary OAGB/MGB surgery. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.92 ± 3.47 kg/m2 and the mean albumin level was 25.17 ± 4.21 g/L at reversal. The mean length of the common channel (CC) was 383.57 ± 159.35 cm, with a mean biliopancreatic limb (BPL) length of 214.21 ± 48.45 cm. Pooled estimation of the meta-analysis of prevalence studies reported a prevalence of 1% for reversal. The major signs and symptoms of protein-energy malnutrition were the leading causes of the reversal of OAGB/MGB. Bleeding, leakage, and death due to severe liver failure were the most reported complications after reversal, with an overall incidence of 10.9%. In conclusion, OAGB/MGB reversal has a prevalence of 1% and has a complication rate of 10.9%. Protein-energy malnutrition with hypoalbuminemia was the most common etiology. The mean lengths of BPL and CC were reported as 215 cm and 380 cm, respectively, in the cases. Therefore, special attention should be paid to malnutrition in all OAGB/MGB patients during follow-up to prevent severe malnutrition and subsequent increase in reversal procedures.

One Anastomosis/Mini-Gastric Bypass (OAGB/MGB) as Revisional Surgery Following Primary Restrictive Bariatric Procedures: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) has gained popularity in the past decade. International databases were searched for articles published by September 10, 2020, on OAGB/MGB as a revisional procedure after restrictive procedures. Twenty-six studies examining a total of 1771 patients were included. The mean initial BMI was 45.70 kg/m2, which decreased to 31.52, 31.40, and 30.54 kg/m2 at 1, 3, and 5-year follow-ups, respectively. Remission of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following OAGB/MGB at 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up was 65.16 ± 24.43, 65.37 ± 36.07, and 78.10 ± 14.19%, respectively. Remission/improvement rate from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also, 7.4% of the patients developed de novo GERD following OAGB/MGB. Leakage was the most common major complication. OAGB/MGB appears to be feasible and effective as a revisional procedure after failed restrictive bariatric procedures.

Effects of combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate on lung function improvement in patients with bronchiectasis.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiectasis is defined as bronchial abnormal and permanent dilation with destructive and inflammatory changes of bronchial wall. Bronchodilators are used to treat the disease in order to improve lung functions. Seretide is the combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate (FLU/SAL). The effect of each has been proved in the improvement of bronchiectasis, while their synthetic effect as FLU/SAL on bronchiectasis improvement has not been studied yet. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FLU/SAL on the lung function improvement in bronchiectasis patients, comparing and interpreting pulmonary function tests before and after FLU/SAL inhalation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twelve patients with bronchiectasis who referred to Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran in 2008 participated in this prospective quasi-experimental trial. The patients were treated with 2 puffs of fluticasone 125 µg and salmeterol 50 µg (Seretide) twice a day for one month. Beside recording demographic variables, the results of pulmonary function tests (PFT) including vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio were recorded before and after the treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.16 and Pearson correlation and paired T-test were performed. RESULTS: Among 12 patients with bronchiectasis, there were 4 men and 8 women with the mean age of 47.58 (SD=18.32) yr. The mean increase in the ratios of VC, FVC and FEV1 to predicted values and also patients FEV1/FVC after treatment were 15.50% (SD=14.40), 49.83% (SD=8.19) 8.17% (SD=12.07) and 7.17% (SD=12.68), respectively. The results of paired T-test indicated that VC (P=0.008) and FEV1(P=0.039) have increased significantly after treatment. CONCLUSION: This study is one of the first studies investigating the FLU/SAL effect on bronchiectasis. Results of this study have indicated that using FLU/SAL has a significant effect on the improvement of lung function parameters in these patients, while the attention was been focused on antibiotic therapy or other bronchodilators.

Evaluation of the simvastatin effects in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH).

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare but life-threatening disease characterized by significant increases in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), therefore early diagnosis and proper treatment of PH is very important. Statins confer cardiovascular benefits beyond the reduction of serum cholesterol through antiproliferative and antiinflammatory mechanisms and induction of endothelial nitric oxide expression. In pneumonectomized rats injected with monocrotaline, simvastatin reversed established pulmonary hypertension and conferred a 100% survival advantage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of simvastatin treatment in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective before-after pilot trial, 19 patients with primary and secondary causes of PH referred to Khorrami Hospital in Qom, Iran were recruited. Patients were treated with simvastatin, beginning at 20 mg/daily for 2 months, then increasing to 40 mg/daily for another 4 months. Echocardiographic Doppler estimates of systolic pulmonary artery pressures (SPAP) were measured for each patient before prescribing simvastatin and at the end of treatment. Also demographic data, history of smoking and heart functional class (NYHA) before and after treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Out of 19 patients with PH, fifteen were males (78.95%) and four were females (21.1%) with the mean age of 66 (SD=15.28) yr, range between 18 to 83 years. The commonest cause of PH was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 15 patients (78.9%). Simvastatin significantly ameliorated PH from 74.79 (SD=23.52) mmHg to 67.21 (SD=20.55) mmHg (P<0.001). Whereas, heart functional class changes were not statistically significant (P=0.157). CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that simvastatin treatment decreased SPAP in patients with PH. As the pathogenesis of PH involves inappropriate proliferation and constriction of vascular smooth-muscle cells, and deficiencies of endogenous vasodilators such as prostacyclin and endothelial-derived nitric oxide, the antiproliferative, antiinflammatory and antithrombogenic effect of simvastatin seems to be useful. This study has led physicians to believe that simvastatin may be beneficial for the treatment of PH.