Bariatric surgery in individuals with severe cognitive impairment: report of two cases

Metabolic and bariatric surgery for obesity in Prader Willi syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

Obesity is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Our objective was to compare changes in body mass index (BMI) after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for the treatment of obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) in PWS. A systematic review of MBS in PWS was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central, identifying 254 citations. Sixty-seven patients from 22 articles met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Patients were organized into 3 groups: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), gastric bypass (GB), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). No mortality within 1 year was reported in any of the 3 groups after a primary MBS operation. All groups experienced a significant decrease in BMI at 1 year with a mean reduction in BMI of 14.7 kg/m2 (P < .001). The LSG groups (n = 26) showed significant change from baseline in years 1, 2, and 3 (P value at year 3 = .002) but did not show significance in years 5, 7, and 10. The GB group (n = 10) showed a significant reduction in BMI of 12.1 kg/m2 in the first 2 years (P = .001). The BPD group (n = 28) had a significant reduction in BMI through 7 years with an average reduction of 10.7 kg/m2 (P = .02) at year 7. Individuals with PWS who underwent MBS had significant BMI reduction sustained in the LSG, GB, and BPD groups for 3, 2, and 7 years, respectively. No deaths within 1 year of these primary MBS operations were reported in this study or any other publication.

Critical review of bariatric surgical outcomes in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome and other hyperphagic disorders

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review bariatric procedure outcomes among patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) mutations, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and hypothalamic obesity.

METHODS

Systematic published literature review used the following search terms: "Prader-Willi syndrome," "Bardet-Biedl syndrome," "hyperphagia," "bariatric surgery," "MC4R"/"melanocortin 4 receptor", "hypothalamic obesity," and "bariatric procedure." Information collected included demographics, genetics, anthropometry, procedure type, outcomes, and complications, with inclusion of case series and clinical reports given the rarity of the disorders. For PWS, postoperative weight-change percentage and BMI up to 14 years following surgery were analyzed using general linear mixed models, with descriptive outcomes for other conditions.

RESULTS

A total of 54 publications were identified, with variable follow-up periods for 202 patients (114 with PWS, 43 with MC4R mutations, 7 with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and 38 with hypothalamic obesity) among bariatric procedures. Weight loss of patients with PWS was greatest within 1 year of surgery, with weight-change percentage not significantly different from 0 at 5 years. Long-term results in other conditions were variable and featured suboptimal weight loss and increased reoperation risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric procedures among hyperphagic individuals, including those with PWS, report variable results and outcomes. Benefits of bariatric surgery may be less durable in hyperphagic disorders in comparison with other patients with severe obesity.

Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Underwent Bariatric Surgery Benefit more from High-Intensity Home Care

BACKGROUND

Long-term weight loss effect of bariatric surgeries for patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) remains controversial since factors like postoperative home care intensity may impact the outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of home care intensity on long-term weight loss effect of bariatric surgery in patients with PWS.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study on patients with PWS undergoing bariatric surgery and patients were enrolled from July 2015 to December 2016. Detailed information of patients' weight and behaviors was recorded by caregivers postoperatively. The intensities of home care applied to patients were classified into four categories (high, moderate, low, and very low) according to the records.

RESULTS

Six cases (3 males, 3 females) were enrolled in this study with LSG (n = 2), RYGB (n = 3), and LSG-DJB (n = 1) as their primary operation. The mean BMI of these participants was 46.78 ± 11.63 kg/m², and the mean age was 17.66 ± 6.59 years. All patients had at least 5 years of follow-ups, and the %EWL were 51.57 ± 23.36%, 64.54 ± 18.97%, 35.34 ± 36.53%, 19.45 ± 41.78%, and - 4.74 ± 71.50% in the half, first, second, third, and fifth year after surgery respectively. Two patients with high-intensity home care achieved a %EWL of 70.57 ± 8.86% in the fifth year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall long-term weight loss of bariatric surgery for patients with PWS was not found through the follow-ups. Two patients with high-intensity home care maintained weight loss at the fifth-year follow-up, suggesting a pivotal role of high-intensity home care in long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with PWS.

Health Problems in Individuals With PWS Are Associated With Lower Quality of Life for Their Parents: A Snapshot in the Brazilian Population

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder requiring interdisciplinary team monitoring and intensive care by parents. So far there is little information on people with PWS in Brazil. Our aim was to describe health problems and treatments used by people with PWS in Brazil and their relationship to their parents' quality of life. Parents answered questionnaires about their child's medical and exercise history, behavior problems, sociodemographic characteristics, and their own quality of life. Results: The responses of the participants showed similar health problems as in other countries. Anxiety and tantrums were the behavioral problems most commonly cited by parents. Parents of people with PWS had lower scores in respect of quality of life than the Brazilian population. Behavioral problems in individuals with PWS were negatively associated with their parents' quality of life. Behavioral and medical conditions in the children were associated with reduced quality of life in the parents. We conclude that heath care should not only be directed toward those with PWS, but also their parents.

Bariatric surgery and cognitive impairment

Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve cognition in patients with severe obesity. Bariatric surgery may improve mental function in patient populations with obesity and with cognitive impairment, including nonacquired, dementia, and traumatic brain injury, although studies have been limited. Bariatric surgery provides an opportunity to explore the effects of obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemias, and other expressions of metabolic syndrome on cognition. It offers the unusual opportunity to study patients with these chronic diseases and, later, those without them. This suggests the need for further studies into the effects of bariatric surgery on patient populations with obesity and with cognitive impairment to look at the effects of the continuing metabolic brain damage in people with severe obesity when earlier intervention could be considered.

Factors Associated with Weight Loss After Metabolic Surgery in a Multiethnic Sample of 1012 Patients

BACKGROUND

Metabolic surgery is the most effective method for weight loss in the long-term treatment of morbid obesity and its comorbidities. The primary aim of this study was to examine factors associated with percent total weight loss (%TWL) after metabolic surgery among an ethnically diverse sample of patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on 1012 patients who underwent either a sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at our institution between January 2008 and June 2015.

RESULTS

African Americans had a lower %TWL than non-Hispanic/Latino Whites at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 48 months. At all timeframes, there was a negative association between pre-surgery TWL and %TWL after surgery. Female sex was negatively associated with %TWL at 3 months only. Higher initial BMI was also associated with greater post-operative %TWL at 18, 24 and 36 months. Older patients had lower %TWL at 6, 9, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. Patients who received RYGB had greater %TWL than those who received SG at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

African Americans had a lower %TWL than non-Hispanic/Latino Whites at most time points; there were no other significant race/ethnicity or sex differences. BMI (greater initial BMI), age (lower) and RYGB were associated with a greater post-operative %TWL at certain post-surgery follow-up time points. A limitation of this study is that there was missing data at a number of time points due to lack of attendance at certain follow-up visits.

Bariatric Surgery for Monogenic Non-syndromic and Syndromic Obesity Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The global prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly over the last decades, posing a severe threat to human health. Currently, bariatric surgery is the most effective therapy for patients with morbid obesity. It is unknown whether this treatment is also suitable for patients with obesity due to a confirmed genetic defect (genetic obesity disorders). Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of genetic obesity.

RECENT FINDINGS

In monogenic non-syndromic obesity, an underlying genetic defect seems to be the most important factor determining the efficacy of bariatric surgery. In syndromic obesity, bariatric surgery result data are scarce, and even though some promising follow-up results have been reported, caution is required as patients with more severe behavioral and developmental disorders might have poorer outcomes. There is limited evidence in support of bariatric surgery as a treatment option for genetic obesity disorders; hence, no strong statements can be made regarding the efficacy and safety of these procedures for these patients. However, considering that patients with genetic obesity often present with life-threatening obesity-related comorbidities, we believe that bariatric surgery could be considered a last-resort treatment option in selected patients.

Update on Diabetes Mellitus and Glucose Metabolism Alterations in Prader-Willi Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes our current knowledge on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and glucose metabolism alterations in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), the most common syndromic cause of obesity, and serves as a guide for future research and current best practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diabetes occurs in 10-25% of PWS patients, usually in adulthood. Severe obesity is a significant risk factor for developing of T2DM in PWS. Paradoxically, despite severe obesity, a relative hypoinsulinemia, without the expected insulin resistance, is frequently observed in PWS. The majority of PWS subjects with T2DM are asymptomatic and diabetes-related complications are infrequent. Long-term growth hormone therapy does not adversely influence glucose homeostasis in all ages, if weight gain does not occur. Early intervention to prevent obesity and the regular monitoring of glucose levels are recommended in PWS subjects. However, further studies are required to better understand the physiopathological mechanisms of T2DM in these patients.

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.

Psychosocial Concerns Following Bariatric Surgery: Current Status

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this paper is to review the current status of research on psychosocial concerns following bariatric surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bariatric surgery has a positive overall impact on weight and obesity-related comorbidities, as well as a positive short-term impact on mental health and psychosocial functioning. Nonetheless, research has documented a number of different psychosocial concerns that may emerge following surgery including maladaptive eating, substance use disorders, suicide, lack of social support, and excess skin. Moreover, special populations of patients may have distinctive psychosocial concerns based on sociodemographic factors such as age or severity of obesity. Available studies suggest that psychosocial interventions have a positive impact on post-surgery outcomes, particularly maladaptive eating. However, research is limited, and long-term data are lacking. Monitoring patients after bariatric surgery for negative psychosocial outcomes is warranted. Research is needed to develop and evaluate personalized approaches to optimize long-term weight loss and psychosocial adjustment.

Obesity management in Prader-Willi syndrome: current perspectives

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex multisystem disorder due to the absent expression of the paternally active genes in the PWS critical region on chromosome 15 (15q11.2-q13). The syndrome is considered the most common genetic cause of obesity, occurring in 1:10,000-1:30,000 live births. Its main characteristics include neonatal hypotonia, poor feeding, and lack of appetite in infancy, followed by weight gain, lack of satiety, and uncontrolled appetite, frequently after the age of 2-3 years. The clinical picture includes short stature, multiple endocrine abnormalities (hypogonadism, growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I axis dysfunction, hypothyroidism, central adrenal insufficiency), dysmorphic features, scoliosis, osteoporosis, mental retardation, and behavioral and psychiatric problems. Subjects with PWS will become severely obese unless their food intake is strictly controlled. Constant and obsessive food seeking behavior can make life very difficult for both the family and caretakers. Prevention of obesity is mandatory in these patients from the first years of life, because once obesity develops it is difficult to maintain the control of food intake. In fact, PWS subjects die prematurely from complications conventionally related to obesity, including diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms underlying hyperphagia in PWS are not completely known, and to date no drugs have proven their efficacy in controlling appetite. Consequently, dietary restriction, physical activity, and behavior management are fundamental in the prevention and management of obesity in PWS. In spite of all available therapeutic tools, however, successful weight loss and maintenance are hardly accomplished. In this context, clinical trials with new drugs have been initiated in order to find new possibilities of a therapy for obesity in these patients. The preliminary results of these studies seem to be encouraging. On the other hand, until well-proven medical treatments are available, bariatric surgery can be taken into consideration, especially in PWS patients with life-threatening comorbidities.