Rhabdomyolysis after bariatric surgery by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a prospective study

Prevalence of Rhabdomyolysis Following Bariatric Surgery and its Associated Risk Factors: a Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of rhabdomyolysis (RML) following bariatric surgery and potential associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL for relevant trials from database inception through August 2022. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported the prevalence of RML after bariatric surgery and provided at least one of the following outcome indicators: preoperative mean BMI/mean operative time for the included population.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies with a total of 1540 patients were analyzed. The mean preoperative age distribution of the included patients was centered between 32.9 and 47.0 years, and the mean preoperative BMI ranged from 42.3 to 60.0 kg/m². The operative time varied between 126.7 and 403.3 min. The overall pooled crude prevalence of post-bariatric surgery RML was 19.4%. Subgroup analyses showed the pooled prevalence of RML was 8.1% for operative duration > 120 and ≤ 180 min, 32.8% for > 180 and ≤ 240 min, and 47.4% for > 240 min. Meta-regression revealed that operation time was an independent risk factor for developing RML. Besides, BMI > 50 kg/m² and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) indicated a higher risk of RML.

CONCLUSION

Post-bariatric surgery RML prevalence occurred more frequently with the extension of the operation time. For bariatric subjects with surgery time > 180 min, open RYGB, or BMI > 50 kg/m², CKP could be routinely measured early to verify the presence of RML and to actively prevent its fatal complications.

Rhabdomyolysis following Nuss Procedure: A Prospective Study in Children

INTRODUCTION

 Postoperative rhabdomyolysis (RML) has been documented after several surgical procedures in adults. Musculoskeletal remodeling after Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum (PE) could cause RML. We evaluated the incidence of RML after Nuss procedure in children.

METHODS

 This study was a prospective study from 2018 to 2021. We enrolled all otherwise healthy patients who underwent PE correction with only one bar. Studied variables included demographic and clinical data, duration of surgery, complications, and length of hospitalization. The patients included underwent serial measurements of serum creatine kinase (CK), troponin I, N terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), serum creatinine, urea, and glomerular filtration rate at 6 and 48 hours postoperatively, and hospital discharge.

RESULTS

 Forty-six patients met criteria (40 males/6 females), with a mean age of 15.1 ± 1.4 years. Mean duration of surgery was 74 ± 28 minutes, and length of hospitalization was 4.6 ± 1.6 days. RML was diagnosed in 30.4% of patients at 6 hours, 91.3% at 48 hours, and 21.7% at hospital discharge. Mean preoperative CK value was 181.1 ± 141.6 IU/L, and postoperative values were 863.3 ± 302.6 IU/L at 6 hours, 1,675.2 ± 561 IU/L at 48 hours, and 850 ± 683.7 IU/L at hospital discharge, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.001). High-sensitivity troponin I and NT-proBNP levels increased significantly during the postoperative time (p = 0.001). Renal function remained stable (p = 0.55).

CONCLUSION

 Nuss technique produces RML without kidney injury in healthy patients. This knowledge should be considered for patients at increased risk of developing acute kidney injury and other complications.

Beyond muscle destruction: a systematic review of rhabdomyolysis for clinical practice

Background

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical syndrome that comprises destruction of skeletal muscle with outflow of intracellular muscle content into the bloodstream. There is a great heterogeneity in the literature regarding definition, epidemiology, and treatment. The aim of this systematic literature review was to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the epidemiologic data, definition, and management of rhabdomyolysis.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the keywords “rhabdomyolysis” and “crush syndrome” covering all articles from January 2006 to December 2015 in three databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect). The search was divided into two steps: first, all articles that included data regarding definition, pathophysiology, and diagnosis were identified, excluding only case reports; then articles of original research with humans that reported epidemiological data (e.g., risk factors, common etiologies, and mortality) or treatment of rhabdomyolysis were identified. Information was summarized and organized based on these topics.

Results

The search generated 5632 articles. After screening titles and abstracts, 164 articles were retrieved and read: 56 articles met the final inclusion criteria; 23 were reviews (narrative or systematic); 16 were original articles containing epidemiological data; and six contained treatment specifications for patients with rhabdomyolysis.

Conclusion

Most studies defined rhabdomyolysis based on creatine kinase values five times above the upper limit of normal. Etiologies differ among the adult and pediatric populations and no randomized controlled trials have been done to compare intravenous fluid therapy alone versus intravenous fluid therapy with bicarbonate and/or mannitol.

[The profile of patients undergoing bariatric surgery in the Brazilian Unified National Health System: a systematic review]

Nearly one million Brazilians were morbidly obese in 2013. Bariatric surgery is an option for sustained weight loss, and the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) had provided 50,000 such procedures as of 2014. The SUS database does not provide anthropometric and comorbidity data on these patients, so the aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review to assess the profile of SUS patients that underwent bariatric surgery from 1998 to 2014. The MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and Scopus databases were searched, and the methodological quality of the included articles was assessed. Of the 1,591 identified studies, 39 were selected, 95% of which were observational. Patients had a mean age of 41.4 years and mean body mass index of 48.6kg/m2; 21% were males, 61% hypertensive, 22% diabetics, and 31% presented sleep apnea. When compared to international study samples, SUS patients showed similar a anthropometric profile and comorbidities but higher prevalence of hypertension. The studies' low methodological quality suggests caution in interpreting the results.

Rhabdomyolysis in Obese Trauma Patients

Patients sustaining traumatic injuries are at risk for development of rhabdomyolysis. The effect of obesity on this risk is unknown. This study attempted to characterize the role of obesity in the development of rhabdomyolysis after trauma. This was a retrospective review of all trauma patients with creatine kinase (CK) levels admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) at a Level I trauma center from February 2011 until July 2013. Patients were divided based on their body mass index (BMI): overweight/obese group with BMI 25 kg/m2 or greater and nonoverweight/obese group with BMI less than 25 kg/m2. Primary outcome was CK greater than 10,000 U/L. During the 30-month study period, 198 trauma patients with available CK levels were admitted to the SICU. The majority (27.8%) of patients were involved in a motor vehicle collision. There were 96 patients (48.4%) with BMI 25 kg/m2 or greater and 102 (51.5%) with BMI less than 25 kg/m2. There was no difference in creatinine levels between the two groups (1.5 ± 1.2 mg/dL vs 1.5 ± 1.4 mg/dL, P = 0.83). BMI 25 kg/m2 or greater was independently associated with the development of CK greater than 10,000 U/L (14.6 vs 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.03; P = 0.04). Patients with BMI 25 kg/m2 or greater are at a significantly higher risk for rhabdomyolysis after trauma. Aggressive CK level monitoring to prevent rhabdomyolysis in this population is strongly encouraged.

Rhabdomyolysis in bariatric surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is a rare complication of bariatric surgery. A systematic review was performed to identify risk factors and patient outcomes in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery who develop RML.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed between January 1990 and March 2012 using relevant MeSH terms. Studies were chosen based on predefined inclusion criteria. RML was defined as a creatine kinase of more than 1,000 IU/L. The parameters assessed included patient characteristics of the RML population, type of bariatric surgery performed, operating time, complications, presentation and diagnosis of RML.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were analysed which included 11 case reports, two case series, six prospective and three retrospective comparative studies. Overall 145 patients with RML were reported following bariatric surgery. Acute renal failure was found in 20 patients (14 %) and was significantly more likely to occur in patients with postoperative muscle pain (p < 0.05). The mortality rate after renal failure was 25 % (n = 5). In the comparative studies, 87 RML patients were compared with 325 non-RML patients. The RML patients were more likely to be male, had a greater mean body mass index (BMI) (52 vs 48 kg/m(2), p < 0.01) and underwent a longer operation (255 vs 207 min, p < 0.01) compared to non-RML patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors of developing RML following bariatric surgery include male gender, elevated BMI and prolonged operating time. Patients with a biochemical diagnosis of RML and postoperative myalgia after bariatric surgery are at increased risk of developing acute renal failure and mortality. These patients must be identified and treated promptly.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a well-known clinical syndrome of muscle injury associated with myoglobinuria, electrolyte abnormalities, and often acute kidney injury (AKI). The pathophysiology involves injury to the myocyte membrane and/or altered energy production that results in increased intracellular calcium concentrations and initiation of destructive processes. Myoglobin has been identified as the primary muscle constituent contributing to renal damage in rhabdomyolysis. Although rhabdomyolysis was first described with crush injuries and trauma, more common causes in hospitalized patients at present include prescription and over-the-counter medications, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The diagnosis is confirmed by elevated creatine kinase levels, but additional testing is needed to evaluate for potential causes, electrolyte abnormalities, and AKI. Treatment is aimed at discontinuation of further skeletal muscle damage, prevention of acute renal failure, and rapid identification of potentially life-threatening complications. Review of existing published data reveals a lack of high-quality evidence to support many interventions that are often recommended for treating rhabdomyolysis. Early and aggressive fluid resuscitation to restore renal perfusion and increase urine flow is agreed on as the main intervention for preventing and treating AKI. There is little evidence other than from animal studies, retrospective observational studies, and case series to support the routine use of bicarbonate-containing fluids, mannitol, and loop diuretics. Hyperkalemia and compartment syndrome are additional complications of rhabdomyolysis that must be treated effectively. A definite need exists for well-designed prospective studies to determine the optimal management of rhabdomyolysis.

The effect of bariatric surgery on renal function and disease: a focus on outcomes and inflammation

Renal dysfunction and disease, including hyperfiltration, proteinuria and hypofiltration, are commonly associated with obesity. Diabetic kidney disease is also common in obese cohorts. Weight loss interventions, including bariatric surgery, can effectively reduce weight and improve renal outcomes. Some of this effect may be due to the remission of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. However, other mechanisms, including the resolution of inflammatory processes, may also contribute. The effect of bariatric surgery on renal function has only recently become a focus of particular investigation. In this study, we will review the effects of bariatric surgery on obesity-associated kidney disease. We will discuss the pitfalls in assessing renal function in obese cohorts and will examine the effect of bariatric surgery on renal function and urinary protein excretion using different mechanisms. We will give particular attention to the evidence for bariatric surgery in cohorts with established renal disease and suggest future directions. In particular, we will outline the evidence for inflammation as an important therapeutic target, and the emerging medical therapies being considered to exploit this target in obesity- and diabetes-related kidney disease.

Rhabdomyolysis after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a case report

Gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis is a disease with a poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) can improve prognosis, although in most cases this should still be considered as a palliative treatment. Therefore, morbidity has to be avoided at all cost as quality of life is of utmost importance. We describe the case of a 64-year-old female with an adenocarcinoma of the stomach that was initially treated with a Billroth II gastrectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During follow-up, the diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis was made, and the patient was referred for CRS and HIPEC. Postoperatively, she developed rhabdomyolysis in both gastrocnemius muscles. Renal function remained within normal limits, but ultrasonography of the lower legs suggested the presence of bilateral abscesses. Drainage with pigtail catheters was necessary for more than 1 month, significantly impairing quality of life. The objective of this case report is to heighten awareness for this complication. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication of CRS and HIPEC, with a significant impact on quality of life. Prevention is necessary and can be achieved by adequate surgical positioning, using the altered lithotomy position, sufficient padding and by preventing hypovolemia.

Neurological complications following bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE: It was to report on Brazilian cases of neurological complications from bariatric surgery. The literature on the subject is scarce. METHOD: Cases attended by neurologists in eight different Brazilian cities were collected and described in the present study. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases were collected in this study. Axonal polyneuropathy was the most frequent neurological complication, but cases of central demyelination, Wernicke syndrome, optical neuritis, radiculits, meralgia paresthetica and compressive neuropathies were also identified. Twenty-one patients (80%) had partial or no recovery from the neurological signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery, a procedure that is continuously increasing in popularity, is not free of potential neurological complications that should be clearly presented to the individual undergoing this type of surgery. Although a clear cause-effect relation cannot be established for the present cases, the cumulative literature on the subject makes it important to warn the patient of the potential risks of this procedure.

Panniculus, giant hernias and surgical problems in patients with morbid obesity

Prevalence of morbid obesity is rising. Along with it, the adipose associated co-morbidities increase - included panniculus morbidus, the end stage of obesity of the abdominal wall. In the course of time panniculus often develop a herniation of bowel. An incarcerated hernia and acute exacerbation of a chronic inflammation of the panniculus must be treated immediately and presents a surgical challenge. The resection of such massive abdominal panniculus presents several technical problems to the surgeon. Preparation of long standing or fixed hernias may require demanding adhesiolysis. The wound created is huge and difficult to manage, and accompanied by considerable complications at the outset. We provide a comprehensive overview of a possible approach for panniculectomy and hernia repair and overlook of the existing literature.

Management of obesity-induced kidney disease: a critical review of the literature

It is well established that obesity is a risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may promote the progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Therefore, it is strongly suggested that reduction of body weight can be an important intervention in order to reduce the prevalence of renal impairment. The current article describes extensively the already published trials which have studied the association between weight loss and kidney disease. The weight management programs include surgical and non-surgical interventions (low-calorie diet, aerobic exercise, drug-induced weight loss, combination treatment). The focus has been placed on the following renal function markers: albuminuria, proteinuria, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and creatinine clearance. This review also aims to clarify challenges that clinicians have to deal with in everyday practice regarding the management of obesity-induced kidney disease (degree of weight loss, duration of the weight loss program, early initiation of the intervention).

Bariatric surgery and renal function

Obesity causes a significant healthcare burden and has been shown to be an important risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and increasingly chronic kidney disease. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and has been shown to drastically improve both blood pressure and diabetic control. However, the interaction of bariatric surgery and renal function is less clear. This review focuses on the effect of bariatric surgery on renal function both in the acute situation, with respect to acute kidney injury, and also on changes in renal function parameters post-bariatric surgery weight loss. The interaction of obesity, bariatric surgery, and nephrolithiasis as a precipitant of acute kidney injury will also be considered. The role of bariatric surgery in pre- and post-renal transplant recipients is discussed as well as possible mechanisms underlying the improvement in renal function.

Perioperative management of morbid obesity

Data from the NHS Information Centre reveals that more than one in three adults (36.9%) is overweight. In addition, almost a quarter of adults (24% of men and 25% of women aged 16 or over) are obese, with their need for treatment placing a growing burden on the NHS (The NHS Information Centre 2010). Given these proportions, and that an increasing number of morbidly obese patients are undergoing weight loss surgery and procedures related to obesity, it is an opportune time to review the perioperative care of morbidly obese patients.

Medical management of postsurgical complications: the bariatric surgeon's perspective

Bariatric surgery remains the only effective method to initiate and sustain massive weight loss in morbidly obese patients. Along with the advent of minimal access surgery, its popularity has not only resulted in an exponential increase in number of cases but also a subsequent increase in number of complications. Although most postsurgical bariatric complications are managed surgically, it is imperative that all physicians be aware of the unique potential complications to effectively communicate and optimize the medical management in this emergent set of patients.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for the obese patient: a subset analysis from a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

BACKGROUND

The clinical outcomes for patients randomized to either open or laparoscopic appendectomy are comparable. However, it is not known whether this is true in the subset of the adult population with higher body mass indexes (BMIs). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of open versus laparoscopic appendectomy in the obese population.

METHODS

A subgroup analysis of a randomized, prospective, double-blind study was conducted at a county academic medical center. Of the 217 randomized patients, 37 had a BMI of 30 kg/m(2) or higher. Open surgery was performed for 14 and laparoscopic surgery for 23 of these patients. The primary outcome measures were the postoperative complication rates. The secondary outcomes were operative time, length of hospital stay, time to resumption of diet, narcotic requirements, and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36) quality-of-life data.

RESULTS

No differences in complications between the open and laparoscopic groups were found. Also, no significant differences were seen in any of the secondary outcomes except for a longer operative time among the obese patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, laparoscopic appendectomy did not show a benefit over the open approach for obese patients with appendicitis.

Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in severely burned patients

Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is a precarious complication in severely burned patients and the principal treatment goal is prevention of acute renal failure (ARF). This 10-year retrospective study analyses the causes for RML in severely burned patients and evaluates treatment algorithms. Eight of 714 patients (1%) were diagnosed with RML. Percentage TBSA burn was 25 ± 13%. The mean abbreviated burn severity index score (ABSI) was 9 ± 2. ARF was found in 75% (6/8) of the patients. Serum myoglobin (MB) was reduced by 41 ± 16% after 24-h treatment by solitary volume repletion (VR) and by 44 ± 20% through VR+continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Mortality was 50% (4/8). Peak mean CPK-levels were more than two and MB-levels more than four times higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Burns associated with RML result in poor survival. VR and CVVHDF are effective measures in treating RML. CVVHDF is effective in removing MB when using high flux filter membranes. Early CVVHDF (within 24h of diagnosis) with high-cut off membranes could reduce the risk of ARF and mortality.

Metabolic, renal, and nutritional consequences of bariatric surgery: implications for the clinician

Management of obesity-associated comorbidities costs about $60 billion/year, about 5% of total US healthcare expenditure. Bariatric surgery is the only proven effective weight loss therapy for severely obese patients with a BMI > or =35 kg/m2. Bariatric surgery produces long-term weight loss, improves quality of life, and reduces the number of sick days and medication costs. Surgery has a profound effect on the metabolic milieu and nutritional status from the first few days after surgery, even before significant weight loss has been achieved. Metabolic effects of bariatric surgery reduce obesity-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease risk. Improvement in renal function is seen, but adverse effects like oxalate nephropathy can lead to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease (CKD/ESRD). Surgery can also lead to micronutrient deficiencies, making dietary supplementation necessary. Reduction in insulin resistance and hypertension after surgery makes medication adjustment imperative. Improvement in comorbidities and nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery has important clinical implications.

Bariatric surgery: Rhabdomyolysis after open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is a recently recognized complication of bariatric surgery (BS). The aim of this prospective study was to determine frequency, risk factors, and clinical relevance of RML in morbidly obese patients treated with open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP).

METHODS

A total of 23 consecutive patients with morbid obesity undergoing primary open RYGBP were included prospectively in the present study. The following parameters were recorded: age, gender, BMI (kg/m(2)), comorbidities (presence of known hypertension and diabetes), duration of surgery, levels of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) measured before surgery and daily after until the values were clearly tending towards normal, and the presence of neuromuscular symptoms in the early post-operative period. RML was defined as post-operative CPK >1000 IU/l (5 times the normal value). Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of RML.

RESULTS

The study sample consists of 16 females (69.6%) and 7 males (29.4%). RML was diagnosed in 7 (30.4%) patients with CPK levels greater than 5000 IU/l in 3 patients (42.9%). BMI was identified as an independent risk factor for RML (P = 0.031). The best cut-off value of BMI as a predictor of RML was 55.88 kg/m(2) giving sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 80.7%. Other variables (age, sex, comorbidities, and duration of surgery) did not have a significant predictive effect on the rate of RML.

CONCLUSION

After open bariatric surgery with RYGBP, the risk of RML increases in obese patients specially when BMI >56 kg/m(2). In such patients, CPK, which is an inexpensive easily done test, should be performed routinely to guarantee early diagnosis and consequently preventive treatment of RML complications.

Evaluation of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on weight loss and co-morbidity

BACKGROUND

The sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical technique to treat morbid obesity by both restrictive and probably hormonal action. Originally developed as a first stage to gastric bypass, it is more and more performed as a sole procedure. Therefore it is important to report results on weight loss and reduction in co-morbidity.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 74 morbid obese patients were evaluated. Parameters were operative variables, complications, weight loss and the need for medication for co-morbidity at least six months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Six procedures included the removal of a band and twice a vertical banded gastroplasty was performed previously. Median operating time diminished over time to 71 min. Three procedures were converted into open approach. Major complications were rhabdomyolysis (2), bleeding (2) and leakage (4). Four days was the mean hospital stay. The median follow-up was 12 months (range 6-33). The median percentage of excess weight loss was 49.6% (range 22-96%EWL). The median loss in BMI points was 23.1% (range 9-50%BMIL). Three quarters of the patients were able to diminish or stop their medication for diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipedemia.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic gastric sleeve is effective in reduction of both weight and co-morbidity and has potential as a sole procedure. Patient's selection is, however, recommendable for initial surgical experience and longer follow-up will be necessary.