National Trends and Outcomes in Adolescents Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss and health status 10 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band insertion in adolescents: a follow-up report from Teen-LABS

BACKGROUND

Metabolic and bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment strategy for severe childhood obesity, affecting 10% of US adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

This prospective observational study addresses knowledge gaps related to changes in weight, cardiometabolic risk, and weight-related quality of life (WRQOL) in adolescents 10 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) insertion.

SETTING

Five Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (Teen-LABS) US centers.

METHODS

Anthropometric, micronutrient, cardiometabolic risk, and WRQOL data were collected on 274 adolescents undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery, of which 14 participants underwent LAGB insertion (2008-2011). Descriptive analyses compared outcomes from baseline to 10 years.

RESULTS

Participants were mostly female (86%), White (71%), with a median age of 18.5 years and preoperative median BMI of 49. Baseline prevalence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 1 of 14 (7%), 8 of 14 (57%), and 8 of 13 (62%), respectively, versus 10-year prevalence of 1 of 8 (13%), 4 of 10 (40%), and 3 of 9 (33%), respectively. Two participants underwent LAGB removal (years 2 and 3), whereas two converted from LAGB to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (years 2 and 6). Following initial BMI reduction (-10%) at year 1, 10-year median BMI in the LAGB retention group was 51, representing a 9.2% increase versus baseline. Micronutrient abnormalities and WRQOL remained similar between baseline and 10 years. One participant (1 of 14) withdrew from the study at year 7.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up of this cohort reveals that LAGB had minimal impact on BMI, cardiometabolic risk factors, and WRQOL among adolescents. These results confirm the limited efficacy of LAGB in the pediatric population.

Assessment of guidelines for bariatric and metabolic surgery: a systematic review and evaluation using appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation II (AGREE II)

BACKGROUND

In recent years, multiple guidelines on bariatric and metabolic surgery were published, however, their quality remains unknown, leaving providers with uncertainty when using them to make perioperative decisions. This study aims to evaluate the quality of existing guidelines for perioperative bariatric surgery care.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and EMBASE were conducted from January 2010 to October 2022 for bariatric clinical practice guidelines. Guideline evaluation was carried out using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) framework.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 1483 citations, of which, 26 were included in final analysis. The overall median domain scores for guidelines were: (1) scope and purpose: 87.5% (IQR: 57-94%), (2) stakeholder involvement: 49% (IQR: 40-64%), (3) rigor of development: 42.5% (IQR: 22-68%), (4) clarity of presentation: 85% (IQR: 81-90%), (5) applicability: 6% (IQR: 3-16%), (6) editorial independence: 50% (IQR: 48-67%), (7) overall impressions: 48% (IQR: 33-67%). Only six guidelines achieved an overall score >70%.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery guidelines effectively outlined their aim and presented recommendations. However, many did not adequately seek patient input, state search criteria, use evidence rating tools, and consider resource implications. Future guidelines should reference the AGREE II framework in study design.

The Impact of Food Insecurity Rate on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Various factors impact outcomes following bariatric surgery. Lack of access to healthy food options (food insecurity [FI]) is another potential factor affecting outcomes. No prior studies have directly explored the relationship between residing in a high FI zip code and patient outcomes relating to weight loss after bariatric surgery. We hypothesized that living in a high FI zip code would be associated with decreased weight loss postsurgery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study with 210 bariatric surgery patients at a tertiary referral center from January to December 2020. Patient weight and body mass index (BMI) were recorded at three time points: surgery date, 1 mo, and 12 mo postoperative. Residential addresses were collected, and FI rates for the corresponding Zip Code Tabulation Areas were obtained from the 2022 Feeding America Map the Meal Gap study (2020 data).

RESULTS

The FI rate showed a negative correlation of -18.3% (95% confidence interval: -35% to -0.5%; P = 0.039) with the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1 y. In multivariate analysis, preoperative BMI (P = 0.001), presence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.008), and bariatric procedure type (P = 0.000) were significant predictors of %EWL at 1 y. After adjusting for confounding factors, including sex, preoperative BMI, insurance status, primary bariatric procedure, and emergency department visits, the increased FI rate (P = 0.047) remained significantly associated with a decreased %EWL at 1 y.

CONCLUSIONS

Residing in a high FI, Zip Code Tabulation Areas correlated with a decreased %EWL at 1 y after bariatric surgery. These findings highlight the importance of assessing FI status in pre-bariatric surgery patients and providing additional support to individuals facing FI.

Weight Nadir and Long-Term Weight Outcomes After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in a Diverse Cohort of Adolescents and Young Adults

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently the most common bariatric procedure performed in adolescents and young adults in the United States (USA), but there are limited data available on long-term postoperative weight outcomes in these patients. This single-institution US study follows longitudinal weight data in a diverse group of patients undergoing LSG at age 25 years or younger.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients 25 years or younger who underwent LSG at our institution between 2013 and 2020. All weight data documented in the medical record through January 2023 was included. We calculated weight change postoperatively as percent total weight loss (%TWL) relative to preoperative weight.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-one patients underwent LSG, at a mean age of 23.1 years. Within this cohort, 56.1% identified as non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic, and 39.7% had private health insurance. The mean %TWL at weight nadir was 28.5% at a mean of 1.35 years postoperatively. The mean long-term %TWL (in patients with ≥ 4 years of follow-up) was 11.8% at a mean of 5.6 years postoperatively, with 43 of the 84 patients with long-term weight data (51%) within 10% of their preoperative weight at most recent follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents and young adults undergoing LSG at our institution had weight nadir comparable to published results during the first 1 to 2 years postoperatively, but the majority developed significant weight recurrence over the ensuing years. Our findings highlight the need for adjuvant weight loss strategies to improve the durability of weight outcomes after LSG in this population.

Pre-doctoral dental students' knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes regarding obesity and treatments: A survey study

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to assess first-year predoctoral dental students' knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes on obesity and to compare knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes before and after attending an educational presentation.

METHODS

A presentation explaining the impact of obesity and its treatments on oral health was developed and presented to first-year predoctoral dental students (D1's) in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Before ("pre") and after ("post") the presentation, attending students were given the opportunity to take an anonymous and voluntary survey. Questions on the survey covered topics on knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes about obesity.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of the 213 students in the course (response rate = 16.0%) attended the presentation and completed both the pre- and post-surveys. Most participating students reported receiving 0-5 h of education on obesity since starting their dental education. Regarding pre-survey answers to knowledge-based items, the percentage of students answering, "strongly agree" (representing the greatest knowledge level) ranged from 5.9% to 61.8% across items. Significant improvements from pre- to post-survey were observed for all knowledge-based items except a statement that obesity is associated with serious medical conditions. Significant improvements were also found for perception-based items asking about accommodations for patients and the importance of assessing dietary habits. Additionally, at post-survey, students reported significantly less discomfort asking about dietary habits and weight loss medications.

CONCLUSION

Dental curricula policy makers and developers should consider the incorporation of obesity and its treatments, with nutrition experts teaching the content.

Sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of adolescent obesity in children aged 13 and under: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) induces weight reduction and improves metabolic co-morbidities in children with severe obesity but remains underutilized, especially for young adolescents and preadolescents.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized there would be no differences in weight loss or co-morbidity resolution at 1 year post-SG in children who underwent SG at 13 years or younger compared to children who underwent SG at 17-18 years old.

SETTING

Academic medical center, United States.

METHODS

Medical records of children who underwent laparoscopic SG at a quaternary academic center from September 2014 to October 2022 were reviewed. A cohort of 15 patients, ≤13 years of age, was compared to a matched cohort of 15 older adolescent patients. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Both cohorts had similar baseline characteristics. Median preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 51.8 kg/m2 for the ≤13 cohort compared to 50.9 kg/m2 in the older cohort (P = .87). Time to postoperative enteral feeds and length of stay were similar between both groups, and there were no 30-day readmissions or immediate postoperative complications. Median percentage excess BMI loss at 1 year postoperation was 54% (IQR, 25.5%-94.5%) for the ≤13 cohort compared with 44% (IQR, 34.0%-51.0%) for the older cohort (P = .34). Two of 11 patients were lost to follow-up in the younger group compared to 4 of 15 in the older group (P = .61). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in metabolic syndrome co-morbidities after SG.

CONCLUSION

SG in younger children is associated with successful postsurgical outcomes compared with adolescents, with effective weight loss and improvement of obesity-related metabolic co-morbidities.

Characteristics of adolescents referred for bariatric surgery in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

About a third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese in the United Arab Emirates, and referrals for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are now common. Despite excellent evidence that MBS should be considered in adolescents with severe obesity, it remains a management approach of last resort in many cases. Baseline, real-world data on adolescent patients living with obesity referred for surgery, their characteristics, and how these relate to current and future referral policy are important to ensure best practice. Here we examined the demographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics of adolescents referred for MBS over a three-year period to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, UAE. Ninety-two adolescents living with obesity were recruited: 54.3% were female, the average age was 16.3 ± 2.4 years, and 88.0% of patients had a first-degree relative with a history of obesity and 62% a family history of bariatric surgery. The average BMI was 47.7 ± 10.5, and the average percentage of the 95th percentile BMI was 169.5 ± 38.8%. Complications of obesity (hypertension, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, dyslipidemia, and liver function abnormalities) were common. Our analysis highlights that there exists a mismatch between the profiles of patients referred for MBS, local guidelines, and international best practice in decision-making for referral to MBS services. While many adolescents in the UAE seem to enjoy family support and experience in the surgical management of obesity, local guidelines need updating to reflect changes in the definitions of obesity, thresholds for referral, and to remove unnecessary developmental stage barriers to increase the window for personalized surgical management.

Prevalence of Adolescents Meeting Criteria for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) as a safe and effective treatment of severe obesity in children with class 3 obesity or with class 2 obesity and qualifying comorbidities. The study objective was to determine eligibility and characteristics of adolescents who qualify for MBS based on American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health record data of 603 051 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were used to define obesity classes 2 and 3. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with meeting MBS eligibility criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 603 041 adolescents evaluated, 22.2% had obesity (12.9% class 1, 5.4% class 2, and 3.9% class 3). The most frequently diagnosed comorbid conditions were gastroesophageal reflux disease (3.2%), hypertension (0.5%), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (0.5%). Among adolescents with class 2 obesity, 9.1% had 1 or more comorbidities qualifying for MBS, and 4.4% of all adolescents met the eligibility criteria for MBS. In multivariable modeling, males, Black and Hispanic adolescents, and those living in more deprived neighborhoods were more likely to meet MBS eligibility criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 1 in 23 adolescents met the eligibility criteria for MBS. Demographic and social determinants were associated with a higher risk for meeting these criteria. The study suggests that the health care system may face challenges in accommodating the demand for MBS among eligible adolescents.

Where a child lives matters: neighborhood deprivation and pediatric obesity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article outlines what is currently known regarding the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and pediatric obesity. It discusses the intersectionality between neighborhood deprivation, race, ethnicity, and pediatric obesity. We conclude by proposing several potential solutions to disparities in pediatric obesity related to neighborhood deprivation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Neighborhood deprivation, independent of individual socioeconomic status, is a risk factor for pediatric obesity. The obesogenic characteristics of high deprivation neighborhoods (e.g., lack of safe spaces to be active, easy access to fast food) and the psychological aspects of residing within high deprivation neighborhoods may also contribute to this risk. Intervention strategies and policies designed to address neighborhood related risk for pediatric obesity are needed.

SUMMARY

Pediatric obesity is a growing problem of complex etiology. Neighborhood risk factors should be considered when assessing risk burden and when designing intervention strategies.

Childhood Obesity, Diabetes. and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

This mini-review aims to briefly summarize the pathophysiology of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in children and adolescents. Recent data on efficacy of lifestyle interventions, medications, and metabolic surgery for obesity, T2DM, and CVD risk factors are also reviewed. We conducted a PubMed search of English-language original and review articles relevant to childhood obesity, T2DM, and CVD risk factors, and biomarkers in children with an emphasis on recent publications. Childhood obesity arises from an intricate interaction between genetic, physiologic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity is associated with the development of comorbidities including T2DM and CVD at an early age. A multipronged approach is central to the detection, monitoring, and management of childhood obesity and associated adverse metabolic consequences.

Towards precision medicine in bariatric surgery prescription

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial and chronic disease. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment intervention for obesity and obesity-related diseases. However, weight loss after surgery can be highly heterogeneous and is not entirely predictable, particularly in the long-term after intervention. In this review, we present and discuss the available data on patient-related and procedure-related factors that were previously appointed as putative predictors of bariatric surgery outcomes. In addition, we present a critical appraisal of the available evidence on which factors could be taken into account when recommending and deciding which bariatric procedure to perform. Several patient-related features were identified as having a potential impact on weight loss after bariatric surgery, including age, gender, anthropometrics, obesity co-morbidities, eating behavior, genetic background, circulating biomarkers (microRNAs, metabolites and hormones), psychological and socioeconomic factors. However, none of these factors are sufficiently robust to be used as predictive factors. Overall, there is no doubt that before we long for precision medicine, there is the unmet need for a better understanding of the socio-biological drivers of weight gain, weight loss failure and weight-regain after bariatric interventions. Machine learning models targeting preoperative factors and effectiveness measurements of specific bariatric surgery interventions, would enable a more precise identification of the causal links between determinants of weight gain and weight loss. Artificial intelligence algorithms to be used in clinical practice to predict the response to bariatric surgery interventions could then be created, which would ultimately allow to move forward into precision medicine in bariatric surgery prescription.

Current Practices and Guidelines for Perioperative Blood Management in Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Literature

With the increase in obesity prevalence, a noticeable increase in bariatric surgeries has been reported in national and international statistics. Therefore, body contouring surgeries have increased to help individuals achieve their desired body shape. Plastic surgeons need to consider potential hematologic complications that may occur in this specific group of patients before performing body contouring surgery. This review illustrates the perioperative medical, laboratory, and management strategies needed to minimize blood loss and blood transfusion requirements during body contouring. Using Google Scholar and PubMed, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify articles discussing post-bariatric body contouring perioperative blood management strategies, including the effects of bariatric surgery on hemostasis as well as basic hematology and coagulation. In preoperative blood management, blood investigations aid in the early detection of electrolytes, protein, and vitamin deficiencies and anemia, resulting in the early correction of nutritional deficiencies. In order to reduce postoperative complications, surgical and anesthesia techniques, as well as intraoperative pharmacological therapy, play an essential role. Postoperative blood transfusion and restrictive transfusion thresholds are tailored to the patient's needs and depend on various physiological indicators, such as heart rate, blood pressure, urine output, and laboratory findings, such as acidosis and hematocrit level. Generally, post-bariatric body contouring blood management measures are still lacking, and more research is required to develop standardized guidelines for optimizing patient safety and satisfaction.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .