ASMBS pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery guidelines, 2018

Bone outcomes following sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents and young adults with obesity versus non-surgical controls

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery in adolescents with moderate-to-severe obesity. While studies in adults have reported on the deleterious effects of gastric bypass surgery on bone structure and strength estimates, data are lacking for the impact of sleeve gastrectomy on these measures in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of sleeve gastrectomy on bone outcomes in adolescents and young adults over 12 months using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT).

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 44 youth 14-22 years old with moderate to severe obesity; 22 underwent sleeve gastrectomy and 22 were followed without surgery (16 females and 6 males in each group). At baseline and 12 months, DXA was used to assess areal bone mineral density (aBMD), HRpQCT of the distal radius and tibia was performed to assess bone geometry, microarchitecture and volumetric BMD (vBMD), and finite element analysis to assess strength estimates (stiffness and failure load). These analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race and the bone measure at baseline. Fasting blood samples were assessed for calcium, phosphorus, and 25(OH) vitamin D (25OHD) levels.

RESULTS

Over 12-months, the surgical group lost 27.2% of body weight compared to 0.1% in the non-surgical (control) group. Groups did not differ for changes in 25OHD levels (p = 0.186). Compared to controls, the surgical group had reductions in femoral neck and total hip aBMD Z-scores (p ≤ 0.0006). At the distal tibia, compared to controls, the surgical group had reductions in cortical area and thickness and trabecular number, and increases in trabecular area and separation (p ≤ 0.026). At the distal radius, the surgical group had greater reductions in trabecular vBMD, than controls (p = 0.010). The surgical group had an increase in cortical vBMD at both sites (p ≤ 0.040), possibly from a decrease in cortical porosity (p ≤ 0.024). Most, but not all, differences were attenuated after adjusting for 12-month change in BMI. Groups did not differ for changes in strength estimates over time, except that increases in tibial stiffness were lower in the surgical group (p = 0.044) after adjusting for 12-month change in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 12 months, weight loss associated with sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents had negative effects on areal BMD and certain HRpQCT parameters. However, bone strength estimates remained stable, possibly because of a simultaneous decrease in cortical porosity and increase in cortical volumetric BMD. Additional research is necessary to determine the relative contribution(s) of weight loss and the metabolic effects of surgery on bone outcomes, and whether the observed effects on bone stabilize or progress over time.

Nutritional Risks in Adolescents After Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Little is known about prevalence and risk factors for nutritional deficiencies in adolescents after metabolic bariatric surgery. We performed a 5-year prospective cohort study of these.

METHODS

Adolescents who had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 161) or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG, n = 67) were enrolled at 5 tertiary-care centers from March 2007 through February 2012. The final analysis cohort included 226 participants (161 who had RYGB and 65 who had VSG). We measured serum levels of ferritin; red blood cell folate; vitamins A, D, B₁, B₁₂; and parathyroid hormone at baseline and annually for 5 years. General linear mixed models were used to examine changes over time and identify factors associated with nutritional deficiencies.

RESULTS

The participants were 75% female and 72% white, with a mean age of 16.5 ± 1.6 years and mean body mass index of 52.7 ± 9.4 kg/m² at surgery. Mean body mass index decreased 23% at 5 years, and did not differ significantly between procedures. After RYGB, but not VSG, serum concentrations of vitamin B₁₂ significantly decreased whereas serum levels of transferrin and parathyroid hormone increased. Ferritin levels decreased significantly after both procedures. Hypo-ferritinemia was observed in 2.5% of patients before RYGB and 71% at 5 y after RYGB (P < .0001), and 11% of patients before VSG and 45% 5 y after VSG (P = .002). No significant changes in serum levels of folate or vitamins A, B₁, or D were found between baseline and 5 y after either procedure. By 5 y, 59% of RYGB and 27% of VSG recipients had 2 or more nutritional deficiencies. Risk factors associated with specific deficiencies included surgery type, female sex, black race, supplementation intake, weight regain, and for females, pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

In a prospective study of adolescents who underwent RYGB or VSG, we observed nutritional deficiencies by 5 y after the procedures-particularly in iron and B₁₂ after RYGB. Ongoing nutrient monitoring and supplementation are recommended for all patients, but surgery type, supplementation intake, sex, and race might affect risk. (Clinical trial registration: Adolescent Bariatrics: Assessing Health Benefits and Risk [also known as Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (Teen-LABS)], NCT00474318.).

Pediatric intracranial hypertension. Experience from 2 Tertiary Centers

OBJECTIVE

To review the experience of 2 tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia with intracranial hypertension (IH) in the pediatric population.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed pediatric patients diagnosed with IH from June 2002 to May 2017 in 2 institutes.

RESULTS

We identified 53 patients (30 females and 23 males) with a mean age of 7 years at the time of presentation. Among them, 41 patients were younger than 12 years, and 12 were older. Obese and overweight patients constituted 27.00% (n = 14) of all cases, 8 (66.7%) of whom were older than 12 years. The most common presenting feature was papilledema followed by headache. Vitamin D deficiency, which constituted the most common associated condition, was identified in 12 (22.6%) patients. Acetazolamide was the treatment option in 98.11% of patients, and only 5.7% underwent surgical interventions. The length of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 8 years.

CONCLUSION

Intracranial hypertension is rare in children and commonly seen in overweight females older than 12 years similar to adults. Patients younger than 12 years tend to develop secondary IH. More studies are needed to characterize the clinical presentation and guide the management plan.

Strategies in the Management of Adolescent Obesity

Purpose of Review

We review the current options to manage adolescent obesity which include nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, sleep management, pharmacotherapy and surgery. Since lifestyle interventions alone are often not effective in adolescents, a multi-disciplinary treatment approach is necessary in management.

Recent Findings

Medications (often used off-label) and metabolic/bariatric surgery are effective treatment strategies to treat adolescents with severe obesity.

Summary

The use of pharmacotherapy and surgery is limited due to lack of pediatric obesity tertiary care centers. With more centers, the treatment of adolescent obesity will improve and aid to decrease the prevalence of adult obesity.

Metabolic syndrome in children

Despite plenty of currently available information on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents, there are still uncertainties regarding definition, prevention, management and treatment of MetS in children. The first approach to MetS in children consists of lifestyle interventions (nutritional education, physical activity). These recommendations are often difficult to achieve, especially for adolescents, therefore, there is usually a lack of successful outcomes. A pharmacological intervention in obese children may be needed in some cases, with the aim to improve the effects of these primary prevention interventions. Metformin seems to be safe and presents evident positive effects on insulin sensitivity, but long-term and consistent data are still missing to establish its role in the pediatric population and the possible effectiveness of other emergent treatments such as glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues, dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors, dual inhibitors of SGLT1 and SGLT2 and weight loss drugs. Bariatric surgery might be helpful in selected cases. The aim of this review is to present the most recent available treatments for the main components of metabolic syndrome, with a focus on insulin resistance. A short mention of management of congenital forms of insulin resistance will be included too.

Teenagers with obesity: Long-term results of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a rapidly spreading chronic disease worldwide. Long-term results are critical to assess the effectiveness of a bariatric procedure, particularly in young patients who have long life expectancy.

METHODS

A retrospective study on adolescents with morbid obesity who underwent Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) at our institute from 1995 to 2018 was made. Primary endpoints were efficacy, in term of weight loss and comorbidity resolution, occurrence of complications and reoperations.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients underwent LAGB between 1995 and 2018. Intra- and post-operative mortality was absent. The patients' presence at follow-up at 5, 10 and 15 years was 38/50 (76%), 18/25 (72%) and 5/8 (63%), respectively. At those times the mean excess weight loss percentage was 61.7 ± 29.4, 48.1 ± 50.4 and 55.8 ± 51.2, respectively. Comorbidity resolution rates were 100% for patients with diabetes, 78% for patients with hypertension, 75% for joint pain suffers, 69% for patients with sleep apnea and 57% for patients with anxiety and depression. Total reoperation rate was 30.5%. The band was removed in 8 patients: 3 due to erosions, 3 by patients' choice and 2 conversions to other bariatric procedures.

CONCLUSION

LAGB, in combination with the patients' close follow-up performed by an interdisciplinary team, can be an effective long-term surgical treatment for teenagers with morbid obesity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Weight Management in Primary Care for Children With Autism: Expert Recommendations

Research suggests that the prevalence of obesity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is higher than in typically developing children. The US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have endorsed screening children for overweight and obesity as part of the standard of care for physicians. However, the pediatric provider community has been inadequately prepared to address this issue in children with ASD. The Healthy Weight Research Network, a national research network of pediatric obesity and autism experts funded by the US Health Resources and Service Administration Maternal and Child Health Bureau, developed recommendations for managing overweight and obesity in children with ASD, which include adaptations to the AAP's 2007 guidance. These recommendations were developed from extant scientific evidence in children with ASD, and when evidence was unavailable, consensus was established on the basis of clinical experience. It should be noted that these recommendations do not reflect official AAP policy. Many of the AAP recommendations remain appropriate for primary care practitioners to implement with their patients with ASD; however, the significant challenges experienced by this population in both dietary and physical activity domains, as well as the stress experienced by their families, require adaptations and modifications for both preventive and intervention efforts. These recommendations can assist pediatric providers in providing tailored guidance on weight management to children with ASD and their families.

Comparison of Short and Long-Term Outcomes of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents and Adults

Objective: We sought to compare the short and long-term outcomes of MBS in adolescents vs. adults who have undergone a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or Sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Single tertiary care academic referral center. Participants: One hundred fifty adolescent (≤ 21-years) and adult (>21-years) subjects with severe obesity between 15 and 70 years of age who underwent RYGB or SG. Outcomes: Metabolic parameters, weight and height measures were obtained pre-and post-surgery (at 3 and 6 months, and then annually for 4 years). Results: Median pre-surgical body mass index (BMI) was higher in adolescents (n = 76) vs. adults (n = 74): 50 (45-57) vs. 44 (40-51) kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). However, obesity related complications were greater in adults vs. adolescents: 66 vs. 21% had hypertension, 68 vs. 28% had dyslipidemia, and 42 vs. 21% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (all p < 0.010). % BMI reduction and % weight loss (WL) were greater in adolescents vs. adults at all time points (p < 0.050). %WL was higher in adolescents who underwent SG at each time point (p < 0.050), and trended higher among adolescents who underwent RYGB (p = 0.060), compared to adults with the respective procedure. Follow-up data showed greater resolution of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adolescents than adults (87.5 vs. 54.8%; p = 0.04, and 68.7 vs. 35.4%; p = 0.040). Conclusion: Adolescents compared to adults had greater reductions in BMI and weight, even at 4 years, and greater resolution of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Earlier intervention in the treatment of severe obesity with MBS may lead to better outcomes.

Health related quality of life associated with extreme obesity in adolescents - results from the baseline evaluation of the YES-study

BACKGROUND

Obesity can significantly reduce health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and may lead to numerous health problems even in youths. This study aimed to investigate whether HRQoL varies among youths with obesity depending on grade of obesity and other factors.

METHODS

For the Youths with Extreme obesity Study (YES) (2012-2014), a prospective multicenter cohort study, a baseline sample of 431 obese and extremely obese adolescents and young adults (age 14 to 24 years, BMI ≥30 kg/m²) was recruited at four German university medical centers and one job center. Obesity grade groups (OGG) were defined according to BMI (OGG I: 30-34.9 kg/m², OGG II: 35-39.9 kg/m², OGG III (extreme obesity): ≥40 kg/m²). HRQoL was measured with the Euroqol-5D-3 L (EQ-5D-3 L), DISABKIDS chronic generic (DCGM-31) and the KINDL^R obesity module. Differences between OGGs were assessed with logistic and linear regression models, adjusting for age, sex, and study center in the base model. In a second regression analysis, we included other characteristics to identify possible determinants of HRQoL.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty-two adolescents (mean age: 16.6 (±2.4), mean BMI: 39.1 (±7.5) kg/ m²) with available HRQoL data were analysed. HRQoL of youths in all OGGs was markedly lower than reference values of non-obese adolescents. Adjusting for age and sex, HRQoL of youths in OGG III significantly impaired compared to OGG I. Youths in OGG III were 2.15 times more likely to report problems with mobility in the EQ-5D-3 L than youths in OGG I. A mean difference of 9.7 and 6.6 points between OGG III and I were found for DCGM-31 and KINDL respectively and 5.1 points between OGG II and I for DCGM-31. Including further variables into the regression models, showed that HRQoL measured by DCGM-31 was significantly different between OGGs. Otherwise, female sex and having more than 4 h of daily screen time were also associated with lower HRQoL measured by DCGM-31 and KINDL.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL of adolescents with obesity is reduced, but HRQoL of adolescents with extreme obesity is particularly affected. Larger and longitudinal studies are necessary to understand the relation of extreme obesity and HRQoL, and the impact of other lifestyle or socioeconomic factors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01625325; German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00004172.

Perspectives of adolescents with severe obesity on social Media in Preparation for weight-loss surgery: a qualitative study

Background

Currently the most effective treatment for severe obesity in adolescents is weight-loss surgery coupled with lifestyle behavior change. In preparation for weight-loss surgery, adolescents are required to make changes to eating and activity habits (lifestyle changes) to promote long term success. Social media support groups, which are popular among adolescents, have the potential to augment preoperative lifestyle changes. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively assess the perceived role of social media as a support tool for weight-loss, and to identify motivators and constraints to lifestyle changes and social media use in adolescents preparing for weight-loss surgery.

Methods

Thematic analysis of social media comments from 13 (3 male, 10 female) adolescents aged 16 ± 1.3 years with a body mass index (BMI) 45 ± 7.3 kg/m² enrolled in a weight-management program preparing for bariatric surgery and who participated in a 12-week pilot social media intervention was performed. Participants commented on moderator posts and videos of nutrition, physical activity, and motivation that were shared three to four times per week. Social media comments were coded using NVivo 11.0 to identify recurrent themes and subthemes.

Results

1) Social media provided accountability, emotional support, and shared behavioral strategies. 2) Motivators for lifestyle changes included family support, personal goals, and non-scale victories. 3) Challenges included negative peers, challenges with planning and tracking, and time constraints.

Conclusion

Adolescents considering bariatric surgery identified social media as a tool for social support and reinforcement of strategies for successful behavior change. Important motivators and challenges to lifestyle changes were identified.

Bariatric surgery, compared to medical treatment, reduces morbidity at all ages but does not reduce mortality in patients aged < 43 years, especially if diabetes mellitus is present: a post hoc analysis of two retrospective cohort studies

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Bariatric surgery (BS) reduces long-term mortality in comparison with medical treatment of obesity. Some studies indicate that this effect is significant for patients above mean age in different cohorts, but not for younger patients. These findings raise the question whether morbid obese patients should undergo BS as soon as possible, or whether patients might undergo surgery later in their life.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of two studies; we evaluated surgery-related long-term mortality in: (1) the whole cohort [857 surgery patients (163 diabetes) vs. 2086 controls (512 diabetes)]; (2) patients above mean age [> 43 years, 427 surgery patients (133 diabetes) vs. 1054 controls (392 diabetes)]; (3) patients below mean age [≤ 43 years, 432 surgery patients (30 diabetes) vs. 1032 controls (120 diabetes]. Then, we analyzed age-related long-term mortality in the whole cohort, as well as in surgery patients and in controls. Finally, we analyzed incident diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer) as a function of surgery versus no-surgery and of mean age.

RESULTS

Surgery patients, compared with controls receiving standard medical/dietary treatment, had reduced mortality in the whole cohort (HR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.33-0.62, p = 0.001) and in the study group aged > 43 years (HR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.28-0.56, p = 0.001), but not in the study group aged ≤ 43 years (HR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.42-1.80, p = 0.711). Reduced mortality was observed in non-diabetic and diabetic patients aged > 43 years (HR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.23-0.62, p = 0.001 and HR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.27-0.74, p = 0.002, respectively) who underwent bariatric surgery. In contrast, in patients aged ≤ 43 years, no significant protective effect of bariatric surgery appeared in non-diabetic patients (HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.24-1.71, p = 0.371), and mortality increased, almost significantly, in diabetic patients aged < 43 years (HR = 2.87, 95% CI 0.96-8.56, p = 0.058), and even more in diabetic patients aged 33-43 years; HR = 4.99, 95% CI 1.18-21.09, p = 0.029). As expected, age-related mortality was increased in the whole cohort (HR = 7.23, 95% CI 5.14-10.17, p = 0.001), in non-diabetic and diabetic controls (HR = 8.55, 95% CI 5.77-12.68, p = 0.001, and HR = 3.76, 95% CI 1.97-7.18, p = 0.001, respectively). The effect of aging was slightly reduced in surgery patients (HR = 3.76, 95% CI 1.87-7.58, p = 0.001), while it was not significant in diabetic surgery patients (HR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.26-1.90, p = 0.88), further emphasizing that diabetes per se has a strong negative effect on survival, also with concomitant bariatric surgery. In a supplementary analysis, HRs did not change when surgery and control parents were matched for the presence of diabetes. Incident diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, and cancer) were less frequent in surgery than in control patients, irrespective of age.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery reduces long-term mortality in comparison with medical treatment when performed in patients aged > 43 years, but not in younger patients, where it is neutral or could even increase mortality; reduction in morbidity occurs at any age.

Emergency Department Care of the Post-Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patient

Metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures have increased in the pediatric-age population over the past decade. Three operations, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and Roux-en Y gastric bypass, are the most commonly performed procedures for weight reduction. This article will examine the specifics of each procedure along with the complications associated with any metabolic or bariatric surgery. Complications unique to each operation will be reviewed as well as recommendations for the management of these patients.

Beyond insurance: race-based disparities in the use of metabolic and bariatric surgery for the management of severe pediatric obesity

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether previously noted racial disparities in the use of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for the management of pediatric obesity could be mitigated by accounting for primary insurance.

OBJECTIVES

To examine utilization of pediatric MBS across race and insurance in the United States.

SETTING

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients 12 to 19 years old undergoing MBS from 2015 to 2016, and these data were combined with national estimates of pediatric obesity obtained from the 2015 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Severe obesity was defined as class III obesity, or class II obesity plus hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 1,659,507 (5.0%) adolescents with severe obesity were identified, consisting of 35.0% female, 38.0% white, and 45.0% privately insured adolescents. Over the same time period, 2535 MBS procedures were performed. Most surgical patients were female (77.5%), white (52.8%), and privately insured (57.5%). Black and Hispanic adolescents were less likely to undergo MBS than whites (odds ratio .50, .46, respectively; P < .001 both), despite adjusting for primary insurance. White adolescents covered by Medicaid were significantly more likely to undergo MBS than their privately insured counterparts (odds ratio 1.66; P < .001), while the opposite was true for black and Hispanic adolescents (odds ratio .29, .75, respectively; P < .001 both).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric obesity disproportionately affects racial minorities, yet MBS is most often performed on white adolescents. Medicaid insurance further decreases the use of MBS among nonwhite adolescents, while paradoxically increasing it for whites, suggesting expansion of government-sponsored insurance alone is unlikely to eliminate this race-based disparity.

Childhood obesity and the associated rise in cardiometabolic complications

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global public-health challenges of the twenty-first century. Over the past four decades, the number of children and adolescents with obesity has risen more than tenfold. Worldwide, an increasing number of youth are facing greater exposure to obesity throughout their lives, and this increase will contribute to the early development of type 2 diabetes, fatty liver and cardiovascular complications. Herein, we provide a brief overview of trends in the global shifts in, and environmental and genetic determinants of, childhood obesity. We then discuss recent progress in the elucidation of the central role of insulin resistance, the key element linking obesity and cardiovascular-risk-factor clustering, and the potential mechanisms through which ectopic lipid accumulation leads to insulin resistance and its associated cardiometabolic complications in obese adolescents. In the absence of effective prevention and intervention programs, childhood obesity will have severe public-health consequences for decades to come.

Preoperative considerations for the pediatric patient undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery

To ensure successful outcomes in pediatric patients with severe obesity who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), a number of pre-operative patient management options should be considered. This manuscript will review the indications and contraindications of MBS and special considerations for youth who might benefit from MBS. The treatment team conducts a thorough pre-operative evaluation, assessing risks and benefits of surgical intervention, and prepares patients and families to be successful with MBS by providing education about the surgical intervention and lifestyle changes that will be necessary. This article reviews the pre-operative considerations for adolescents with severe obesity who are being considered for MBS, based upon recent clinical practice guidelines.

Lifestyle and pharmacologic management before and after bariatric surgery

As metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) increasingly becomes a treatment of choice for adolescents with severe obesity, there is a need to understand how to deliver pre- and postoperative care in ways that maximize long-term safety and efficacy. This article describes major pre- and postoperative goals, lifestyle modification targets, and, when necessary, pharmacologic management strategies for adolescents undergoing MBS. Three categories of evidence were used-studies of pre- and postoperative interventions and factors influencing MBS outcomes in adolescents, studies of pre- and postoperative associations and interventions in adults, and studies of non-surgical weight management applicable to adolescents pursuing MBS. Finally, priority areas for future research within this topic are identified.

Severe obesity is associated with liver disease severity in pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent among children with obesity. The primary objective of this study was determining whether obesity severity is associated with NAFLD severity. By using paediatric classifications for severe obesity, clinicians may be able to better risk stratify patients, which in turn would guide more effective management and treatment.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study including patients followed at Cincinnati Children's Medical Center for NAFLD. Patients were categorized as overweight or class I, II, III obese based on established body mass index (BMI) cut-offs. Liver disease severity was determined using biochemical, imaging (magnetic resonance elastography [MRE]), and histologic evidence of liver injury.

RESULTS

Three cohorts were studied individually based on the method used to assess disease severity (biochemical n = 767, imaging n = 366, and histology n = 249). Between the three cohorts, there were significant differences in age, proportion of patients with class II and class III obesity, and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. In the biochemistry cohort, the odds of having ALT > 80 U/L were highest in patients with class III obesity (P = .026). In the imaging cohort, liver stiffness was significantly different between BMI groups of patients (P = .001). In the histology cohort, those with class III obesity had significantly higher odds of NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥ 5 (P = .012).

DISCUSSION

Obesity severity is associated with liver disease severity. Patients with more severe obesity are more likely to have more advanced liver disease, a finding that can assist in risk stratification, as well as monitoring and treatment approaches.

Medical and surgical management of obesity and diabetes: what's new?

We conducted a narrative review of the medical and surgical management of people with obesity and diabetes. Results of this review showed that a 5-10% loss in body weight can be achieved with a change in lifestyle, diet and behaviour and with approved pharmacological therapies in people with obesity and diabetes. New targeted therapies are now available for patients with previously untreatable genetic causes of obesity. Compared to medical treatment, metabolic and bariatric surgery is associated with significantly higher rates of remission from type 2 diabetes and lower rates of incident macrovascular and microvascular complications and mortality. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the American Diabetes Association endorse metabolic and bariatric surgery in obese adults with type 2 diabetes and there may also be a role for this in obese individuals with type 1 diabetes. The paediatric committee of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery have recommended metabolic and bariatric surgery in obese adolescents with type 2 diabetes. Earlier and more aggressive treatment with metabolic and bariatric surgery in obese or overweight people with diabetes can improve morbidity and mortality.

The role of ethics consultation in decision making for bariatric surgery in pediatrics

The decision to pursue metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for pediatric patients has become increasingly accepted by patients and their families and by health care professionals. The advancement of pre- and post-operative MBS guidelines, based on accumulating evidence for safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness help to map the clinical pathway for MBS consideration. Ethical issues remain possible for each case, however, and consultation with ethical experts can provide clarity in the consideration of MBS. Specifically, ethical issues related to principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence may need to be resolved based on patient characteristics, including preadolescent patients and those who present with intellectual disabilities. Institutions that offer MBS for pediatric patients will benefit from collaborating with ethics consultants to develop a structured approach that helps ensure that ethical principles have been adequately addressed for patients presenting for MBS.

PediTools Electronic Growth Chart Calculators: Applications in Clinical Care, Research, and Quality Improvement

BACKGROUND

Parameterization of pediatric growth charts allows precise quantitation of growth metrics that would be difficult or impossible with traditional paper charts. However, limited availability of growth chart calculators for use by clinicians and clinical researchers currently restricts broader application.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the deployment of electronic calculators for growth charts using the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) parameterization method, with examples of their utilization for patient care delivery, clinical research, and quality improvement projects.

METHODS

The publicly accessible PediTools website of clinical calculators was developed to allow LMS-based calculations on anthropometric measurements of individual patients. Similar calculations were applied in a retrospective study of a population of patients from 7 Massachusetts neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to compare interhospital growth outcomes (change in weight Z-score from birth to discharge [∆Z weight]) and their association with gestational age at birth. At 1 hospital, a bundle of quality improvement interventions targeting improved growth was implemented, and the outcomes were assessed prospectively via monitoring of ∆Z weight pre- and postintervention.

RESULTS

The PediTools website was launched in January 2012, and as of June 2019, it received over 500,000 page views per month, with users from over 21 countries. A retrospective analysis of 7975 patients at 7 Massachusetts NICUs, born between 2006 and 2011, at 23 to 34 completed weeks gestation identified an overall ∆Z weight from birth to discharge of -0.81 (P<.001). However, the degree of ∆Z weight differed significantly by hospital, ranging from -0.56 to -1.05 (P<.001). Also identified was the association between inferior growth outcomes and lower gestational age at birth, as well as that the degree of association between ∆Z weight and gestation at birth also differed by hospital. At 1 hospital, implementing a bundle of interventions targeting growth resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in loss of weight Z-score from birth to discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

LMS-based anthropometric measurement calculation tools on a public website have been widely utilized. Application in a retrospective clinical study on a large dataset demonstrated inferior growth at lower gestational age and interhospital variation in growth outcomes. Change in weight Z-score has potential utility as an outcome measure for monitoring clinical quality improvement. We also announce the release of open-source computer code written in R to allow other clinicians and clinical researchers to easily perform similar analyses.

Gastrointestinal symptoms in relation to quality of life after metabolic surgery in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Adolescent obesity is associated with significant co-morbidities, including decreased quality of life (QOL). QOL improves after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), but recent studies have demonstrated that certain gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) worsen after surgery, including reflux symptoms, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate QOL and the effect of these symptoms on QOL after bariatric surgery.

SETTING

Five academic centers that perform adolescent MBS in the United States.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 228 adolescents undergoing MBS using the Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery cohort. GIS and QOL scores were assessed before surgery, at 6 months, and yearly to 5 years after surgery. Analysis involved linear models examining QOL and the association between GIS and QOL adjusting for a priori determined covariates.

RESULTS

Adjusting for body mass index change over time, the physical component score (PCS) of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) increased after surgery from 44.2 at baseline to 54.4 at 5 years (P < .0001). The mental component score did not significantly change over time. The SF-36 domains that showed the biggest increase after surgery were physical functioning, physical role functioning, and general health. The SF-36 PCS decreased significantly over time post surgery in those with GIS of reflux, nausea, and diarrhea but remained higher than baseline SF-36 PCS. There was no statistically significant change in mental component score or impact of weight on quality of life-KIDS scores in those with or without GIS.

CONCLUSION

QOL, specifically the SF-36 PCS, increases after MBS. Reflux symptoms, nausea, and diarrhea reduce the degree of improvement in QOL in adolescents after MBS. Patients should be monitored and treated for these symptoms to address this decreased QOL.

Bariatric surgery for Prader-Willi syndrome was ineffective in producing sustainable weight loss: Long term results for up to 10 years

BACKGROUND

Obesity control in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is notoriously difficult. The role of bariatric surgery in PWS remains controversial as long-term data are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the 10-year outcomes of bariatric surgery in PWS.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study on PWS patients who received bariatric surgery and multidisciplinary follow-up programmes for obesity control. Outcomes on weight reduction and comorbidity resolution were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2013, five PWS patients (two males, mean age 19.2 ± 3.0 years) with body mass index of 47.3 ± 6.9 kg m^-2 received sleeve gastrectomy (n = 2), one anastomosis gastric bypass (n = 2), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 1) after failing all non-operative weight loss programmes. The median follow-up was 8.4 ± 2.2 years. The best mean percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was achieved at 2 years (24.7%). %TWL dropped to 23.3% at 3 years, 11.9% at 5 years, 4.1% at 8 years, and 0% at 10 years. Each patient had at least three comorbidities preoperatively, but none of them had resolution of any one of the comorbidities at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery could not produce sustainable long-term weight loss or comorbidity resolution in PWS. This study suggests that bariatric surgery cannot be recommended to PWS patients as a standard treatment.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents who underwent bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Extant literature warns of elevated suicide risks in adults postbariatric surgery, making understanding risks for adolescent patients imperative.

OBJECTIVES

To examine prevalence and predictors/correlates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in adolescents with severe obesity who did/did not undergo bariatric surgery from presurgery/baseline to 4 years postsurgery.

SETTING

Five academic medical centers.

METHODS

Using a prospective observational design, surgical adolescents (n = 153; 79% female, 65% white, mean [M]_age = 17 yr, M_{body mass index[BMI]} = 52 kg/m²) and nonsurgical comparators (n = 70; 80% female, 54% white, M_age = 16 yr, M_BMI = 47 kg/m²) completed psychometrically sound assessments at presurgery/baseline and postsurgery years 2 and 4 (year 4: n = 117 surgical [M_BMI = 38 kg/m²], n = 56 nonsurgical [M_BMI = 48 kg/m²]).

RESULTS

For the surgical group, rates of STBs were low (year 2 [1.3%-4.6%]; year 4 [2.6%-7.9%], similar to national base rates. Groups did not differ on a year 4 postsurgical STBs (post-STBs) composite (post-STBs: ideation/plan/attempt; n = 18 surgical [16%], n = 10 nonsurgical [18%]; odds ratio = .95, P = .90). For the surgical group, predictors/correlates identified within the broader suicide literature (e.g., psychopathology [P < .01], victimization [P < .05], dysregulation [P < .001], drug use [P < .05], and knowing an attemptor/completer [P < .001]) were significantly associated with post-STBs. Surgery-specific factors (e.g., percent weight loss, weight satisfaction) were nonsignificant. Of those reporting a lifetime attempt history at year 4, only a minority (4/13 surgical, 3/9 nonsurgical) reported a first attempt during the study period. Of 3 decedents (2 surgical, 1 nonsurgical), none were confirmed suicides.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that undergoing bariatric surgery in adolescence does not heighten (or lower) risk of STB engagement across the initial 4 years after surgery. Suicide risks present before surgery persisted, and also newly emerged in a subgroup with poorer psychosocial health.

Parental attitudes toward bariatric surgery in adolescents with obesity

BACKGROUND

Parental underestimation of the severity and risks of their child's obesity and parents' potential implicit weight bias contribute to the reluctance to consider bariatric surgery for their adolescent children with obesity. Despite evidence for safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in adolescents, pediatric providers may be hesitant or uncomfortable to discuss the benefits and refer patients for surgical evaluation. Understanding these barriers is an essential step toward effective long-term care in this patient population.

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that parental views on bariatric surgery are primarily influenced by personal experiences with bariatric surgery, their implicit bias, understanding of health risks of obesity, and counseling by pediatric providers.

SETTING

Data were collected and analyzed at an academic medical center in the United States.

METHODS

After a retrospective chart review of 192 adolescents with obesity, a telephone survey of patients' parents was conducted.

RESULTS

Parents of 71.4% of patients who received outpatient weight loss counseling had accurate recollection of that event. Only 12.8% of parents who were referred to lifestyle programs successfully enrolled. Neither prior personal exposure to bariatric surgery nor enrollment of the child in a lifestyle program increased parents' likelihood to consider bariatric surgery for their child (P = .10 and .70, respectively). Most parents (84.6%) who were counseled by their pediatric provider about bariatric surgery would consider it, compared with only 34.5% of the parents who did not receive counseling (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Counseling by pediatric providers, not involvement in lifestyle programs or exposure to bariatric surgery, increased parents' willingness to consider bariatric surgery for their child. Given the current recommendations to incorporate bariatric surgery as a treatment modality in severe adolescent obesity, earlier counseling about the role of surgery by pediatric providers is essential. More detailed provider education on the current state of bariatric surgery in the treatment of severe adolescent obesity is also necessary.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in 109 Consecutive Children and Adolescents With Obesity: Two-Year Outcomes of a New Modality

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) uses full-thickness sutures that restrict the stomach to a sleeve-like configuration. There is no published evidence on endoscopic tissue apposition techniques in pediatric patients. In this article, we report our ESG experience with the first 109 pediatric patients with obesity who underwent ESG under our care.

METHODS

ESG was offered as a day-case procedure under a standardized protocol and clinical pathway that included surgical, medical, and endoscopic modalities for the treatment of pediatric and adult obesity. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03778697.

RESULTS

The 109 patients in this study had a baseline body mass index and age of 33.0 ± 4.7 and 17.6 ± 2.2 (range: 10-21) years, respectively. Ninety-nine (90.8%) were females. The mean procedure time was 61 ± 19 minutes. The mean % total weight loss at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was 14.4% ± 6.5%, 16.2% ± 8.3%, 15.4% ± 9.2%, and 13.7% ± 8.0%, respectively. Fourteen adolescents visited the ambulatory clinic for analgesia. One patient (aged 19.8 years) requested removal of endoscopic stitches due to abdominal pain, and another underwent Redo-ESG for insufficient weight loss. There were no blood transfusions, emergency admissions, mortality, or significant morbidity.

DISCUSSION

In this first study to date on ESG in pediatric patients, we observed that the procedure is safe and effective in children and adolescents with obesity. Significant weight loss occurs during the first 2 years without mortality or significant morbidity, and this weight loss seems to be maintained.

Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Evidence, Barriers, and Best Practices

Severe obesity among youth is an "epidemic within an epidemic" and portends a shortened life expectancy for today's children compared with those of their parents' generation. Severe obesity has outpaced less severe forms of childhood obesity in prevalence, and it disproportionately affects adolescents. Emerging evidence has linked severe obesity to the development and progression of multiple comorbid states, including increased cardiometabolic risk resulting in end-organ damage in adulthood. Lifestyle modification treatment has achieved moderate short-term success among young children and those with less severe forms of obesity, but no studies to date demonstrate significant and durable weight loss among youth with severe obesity. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has emerged as an important treatment for adults with severe obesity and, more recently, has been shown to be a safe and effective strategy for groups of youth with severe obesity. However, current data suggest that youth with severe obesity may not have adequate access to metabolic and bariatric surgery, especially among underserved populations. This report outlines the current evidence regarding adolescent bariatric surgery, provides recommendations for practitioners and policy makers, and serves as a companion to an accompanying technical report, "Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for Pediatric Patients With Severe Obesity," which provides details and supporting evidence.

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for Pediatric Patients With Severe Obesity

Severe obesity affects the health and well-being of millions of children and adolescents in the United States and is widely considered to be an "epidemic within an epidemic" that poses a major public health crisis. Currently, few effective treatments for severe obesity exist. Metabolic and bariatric surgery are existing but underuse treatment options for pediatric patients with severe obesity. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy are the most commonly performed metabolic and bariatric procedures in the United States and have been shown to result in sustained short-, mid-, and long-term weight loss, with associated resolution of multiple obesity-related comorbid diseases. Substantial evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of surgical weight loss for children and adolescents, and robust best practice guidelines for these procedures exist.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the pediatric population: a MBSAQIP analysis

BACKGROUND

The growing prevalence of childhood obesity has resulted in an increased number of children and adolescents who undergo bariatric surgery. The safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) remains controversial in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety of LSG compared with LRYGB in patients aged ≤21 years.

SETTING

A retrospective analysis of the 2016 to 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database.

METHODS

Patients aged ≤21 years who underwent LSG or LRYGB were identified in the 2016 to 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. A logistic regression model was used to create a 1:1 propensity-score matched cohort adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and obesity-related co-morbidities. Unmatched and propensity-score matched analyses were performed to compare baseline characteristics and outcome data between LSG and LRYGB procedure groups. Primary outcomes of interest included 30-day major complications, such as death, reoperation, and anastomotic leak.

RESULTS

Of 3571 patients included in our study, 2911 (81.52%) underwent LSG and 660 (18.48%) underwent LRYGB. Patients who underwent LRYGB had an increased body mass index and a higher rate of obesity-related co-morbidities. The LRYGB group had a significantly increased rate of major complications within the first 30 days in both the unmatched cohort (4.55% versus 1.34%, P < .001) and the propensity-score matched cohort (4.57% versus .91%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

LSG and LRYGB are both relatively safe to perform in the pediatric population with acceptable complication rates and low mortality. However, LSG demonstrated a significantly decreased rate of major complications in the first 30 days compared with LRYGB.

Quality Assessment of Systematic Review of the Bariatric Surgery for Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Using the AMSTAR tool, this study evaluated the quality of systematic reviews (SRs) that assessed the efficacy of bariatric surgery in diabetic patients. We aimed to identify studies that can be used as clinical references.

METHODS

Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang Data were systematically searched from inception to December 31, 2017. Two reviewers independently selected SRs and extracted data. Disagreements were solved by discussions or through consultation with a third reviewer. Reviewers extracted data (characteristics of included SRs, e.g., publication year, language, and number of authors) into the predefined tables in the Microsoft Excel 2013 sheet. Data were visualized using the forest plot in RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 64 SRs were included. The average AMSTAR score was 7.4 ± 1.7. AMSTAR scores of 7 (n = 21, 32.8%) and 8 (n = 14, 28.1%) were most common. The AMSTAR scores of SRs published before 2016 (n = 46, 71.9%) were compared with SRs published after 2016 (n = 18, 28.1%), and no significant differences were observed (MD = -0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.65-0.07, P = 0.07). For SRs published in Chinese (n = 17, 26.6%) compared to those published in English (n = 47, 73.4%), the AMSTAR scores significantly differed (MD = 0.21, 95% CI (-0.55, 0.97), P = 0.59). For SRs published in China (n = 33, 51.6%) compared to those published outside of China (n = 31, 48.4%), significant differences in the AMSTAR scores were observed (MD = 1.10, 95% CI (0.29, 1.91), P = 0.008). For SRs with an author number ≤ 6 (n = 31, 48.4%) compared to SRs with authors ≥ 6 (n = 33, 51.6%), no significant differences were observed (MD = -0.36, 95% CI (-1.22, 0.50), P = 0.41). For high-quality SRs published after 2016 (n = 11, 17.2%) compared to other SRs (n = 53, 82.8%), statistically significant differences were noted (MD = 1.75, 95% CI (1.01, 2.49), P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of SRs assessing the efficacy of bariatric surgery in diabetic patients is increasing by year, but only a small number meet the criteria to support guideline recommendations. Study protocols not being registered, grey literature not retrieved, incorporation of grey literature as exclusion criteria, and failure to evaluate publication bias and report a conflict of interest were the main causes of low AMSTAR scores.

Partnering Support Interventions with Bariatric Surgery to Maximize Health Outcomes in Adolescents with Severe Obesity

OBJECTIVE

Rates of adolescents with severe obesity continue to rise worldwide, with concurrent increases in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) uptake. The gap between support (lifestyle, pharmacotherapy) interventions and MBS as treatment options for adolescents has been understudied. This review, couched in a socio-ecological framework, investigates how support interventions for adolescents with severe obesity could be combined or sequenced with MBS to optimize health outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive search revealed 36 published articles between 1995 and 2019 that included the combination of support interventions and MBS among adolescents.

RESULTS

There were no studies that specifically reported outcomes or effect sizes for the combination of lifestyle intervention with MBS. Previous studies have reported individual results for either lifestyle intervention or MBS but not for their compound effect.

CONCLUSIONS

As rates of adolescents with severe obesity are on the rise globally, future research should focus on how partnering support interventions with MBS can amplify positive short- and long-term health outcomes and within a socio-ecological framework. Understanding the sequence of these approaches will be of particular importance. High-risk and vulnerable populations such as ethnic minorities who have suffered a disproportionate burden of the obesity epidemic must be included in rigorously tested future trials of combination interventions to maximize health outcomes worldwide.

Update on childhood/adolescent obesity and its sequela

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aim to describe current concepts on childhood and adolescent obesity with a strong focus on its sequela. Childhood obesity is a national epidemic with increasing prevalence over the past three decades placing children at increased risk for many serious comorbidities, previously felt to be only adult-specific diseases, making this topic both timely and relevant for general pediatricians as well as for subspecialists.

RECENT FINDINGS

Childhood obesity develops through an interplay of genetics, environment, and behavior. Treatment includes lifestyle modification, and now metabolic and bariatric surgery is more commonly considered in carefully selected adolescents. The off-label use of adjunct medications for weight loss in childhood and adolescent obesity is still in its infancy, but will likely become the next logical step in those with lifestyle modification refractory obesity. Obesity can lead to several comorbidities, which can persist into adulthood potentially shortening the child's lifespan.

SUMMARY

Efforts should be focused primarily on reducing childhood and adolescent obesity, and when indicated treating its sequela in effort to reduce future morbidity and mortality in this precious population. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/MOP/A36.

Insights on Obesity in Children and Adults: Individualizing Management

For the management of obesity in childhood and adolescence, nonoperative approaches have limited efficacy, including community-based and behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy approved for use in adults. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are efficacious in reducing weight, body mass index, and comorbidities in adolescents. Understanding the phenotype associated with obesity provides an opportunity to individualize patients' treatments directed at the brain-gut axis. These phenotypes include rapid gastric emptying, increased fasting gastric volume, reduced postprandial incretins, and central mechanisms that impact appetite and satiation including hedonic eating and affective disorders. Further studies are required in adolescents. Identifying phenotypes could enhance the efficacy of behavioral, dietary, and pharmacotherapeutic interventions alone or in combination in children and adolescents.

Trends in Volume and Utilization Outcomes in Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Children's Hospitals

PURPOSE

As the prevalence of obesity increases in adolescents, the rate of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is also rising. Little is known about MBS rates at children's hospitals. This study describes trends in adolescent MBS volume and examines hospital resource utilization among patients undergoing MBS at children's hospitals.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study using a large pediatric hospital database (Inpatient Essentials database) to identify adolescents aged 10-18 years who underwent MBS from 2012 to 2016. Procedures were identified based on the presence of diagnosis codes for obesity and bariatric surgery. Our primary outcome was annual MBS volume, and secondary outcomes included cost, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

A total of 859 adolescents from 39 children's hospitals underwent MBS during the study timeframe. Included patients were typically aged >16 years (49.7%), female (73.3%), and non-Hispanic white (50.5%). The number of bariatric surgeries increased 1.8-fold, from 126 in 2012 to 220 in 2016 (p = .004). There was considerable variation in the number of procedures by hospital, ranging from 1 to 159, with a median of 4 (interquartile range: 1-18) procedures per hospital. As the annual number of surgeries increased, LOS decreased by 1 day (p = .028) and cost decreased by 22% (p < .001), without a change in readmission rates (p = .925).

CONCLUSION

MBS rates are increasing in children's hospitals, whereas LOS and cost are decreasing, without affecting readmission rates. These findings may be useful for development of quality benchmarks for developing and existing MBS programs within children's hospitals.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Adolescents With Severe Obesity Before Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

OBJECTIVES

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is often performed to evaluate for mucosal and anatomical abnormalities before vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Little is known, however, about how prebariatric EGD in adolescents influences clinical management or outcome. Our aim was to assess if an abnormal prebariatric EGD resulted in interventions or modification of bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adolescents undergoing evaluation for bariatric surgery. We obtained demographic and anthropometric data in addition to EGD findings, biopsy pathology, gastrointestinal symptoms, and surgical outcomes. An EGD was considered abnormal if either abnormal gross findings or abnormal pathology was reported. Patients were followed until a 6-week postop visit.

RESULTS

Of 134 patients presenting for evaluation, 94 (70%) underwent preoperative EGD. Fifty-one (54%) had a normal EGD and 43 (46%) had EGD abnormalities including 7 with an anatomical abnormality and 36 with mild mucosal abnormalities. Among patients with EGD abnormalities, 22% received medical intervention including proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration (n = 10) and Helicobacter pylori eradication (n = 11). GI symptoms were the only predictor of EGD abnormalities (odds ratio [OR] 4.9: 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-15.0; P < 0.001). No factors predicted likelihood of a post-EGD intervention. An abnormal EGD did not correlate with any postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of adolescents undergoing evaluation for SG, 46% had an abnormal EGD, of which 22% received a medical intervention. Symptoms were the only predictor of EGD abnormalities. Abnormal EGD findings were not associated with modification of the surgery or any adverse outcome.

Severe Obesity in the Pediatric Population: Current Concepts in Clinical Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes (1) the clinical assessment of pediatric patients with severe obesity, including a summary of salient biological, psychological, and social factors that may be contributing to the patient's obesity and (2) the current state of treatment strategies for pediatric severe obesity, including lifestyle modification therapy, pharmacotherapy, and metabolic and bariatric surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Lifestyle modification therapy alone is insufficient for achieving clinically significant BMI reduction for most youth with severe obesity and metabolic and bariatric surgery, though effective and durable, is not a scalable treatment strategy. Pharmacological agents in the pipeline may 1 day fill this gap in treatment. Treatment of severe pediatric obesity requires a chronic care management approach utilizing multidisciplinary teams of health care providers and multi-pronged therapies.

Early weight loss in adolescents following bariatric surgery predicts weight loss at 12 and 24 months

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence supports the efficacy of paediatric bariatric surgery. However, there is a paucity of data examining adolescent outcomes post surgery. Among adults, studies have shown that early weight loss is associated with long-term weight loss. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the association between early weight loss at 3 months with longer-term weight loss at 12 and 24 months in adolescents post surgery. We hypothesized that patients who have greater weight loss within the first 3 months will have greater weight loss at 12 and 24 months post surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of bariatric surgery patients (n = 28) was conducted. Anthropometric measurements at baseline and 3, 12, and 24 months were analysed.

RESULTS

Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 3, 12, and 24 months were 33.6 ± 11.3%, 55.0 ± 20.5%, and 55.1 ± 27.1%, respectively. %EWL at 3 months was positively associated with %EWL at 12 and 24 months (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve results identified a cut-off of greater than or equal to 30%EWL at 3 months predicted successful weight loss, defined as greater than or equal to 50%EWL at 12 and 24 months.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that majority of weight loss among adolescents occurs within the first postoperative year. Greater %EWL by 3 months post surgery predicts successful and sustained weight loss over time.