Increased plasma levels of soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy in comparison to hyperthyroid patients without Graves' ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND: Management of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is still a challenge in Graves' disease (GD). Moreover, 40% of GD patients show radiological muscle enlargement without clinically apparent GO. Delayed treatment of GO may lead to deterioration in prognosis. METHODS: Thirty GD patients with overt hyperthyroidism were included in this study, 17 of whom either had GO at diagnosis or developed GO during the study period. Samples were collected at the beginning of the study, at 6 months, and at 24 months. Plasma samples were analyzed for 92 cytokines using the Olink Target 96 inflammation panel. RESULTS: After adjustment for multiplicity testing using the false discovery rate approach, soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) were significantly elevated in GO patients. CONCLUSION: Using a broad cytokine panel we show that patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy have elevated PD-L1 and FGF-23 levels. The findings support previous suggestions that PD-L1 may serve as a treatment target.

Twelve-year results for revisional gastric bypass after failed restrictive surgery in 131 patients.

BACKGROUND: Gastric banding (GB) and vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) may result in unsatisfactory weight loss or intolerable side effects. Such outcomes are potential indications for additional bariatric surgery, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is frequently used at such revisions (rRYGB). The present study examined long-term results of rRYGB. METHODS: In total, 175 patients who had undergone rRYGB between 1993 and 2003 at 2 university hospitals received a questionnaire regarding their current status. The questionnaire was returned by 131 patients (75% follow-up rate, 66 VBG and 65 GB patients). Blood samples were obtained and medical charts studied. The reason for conversion was mainly unsatisfactory weight loss among the VBG patients and intolerable side effects among GB patients. RESULTS: The 131 patients (112 women), mean age 41.8 years at rRYGB, were evaluated at mean 11.9 years (range 7-17) after rRYGB. Mean body mass index of those with prior unsatisfactory weight loss was reduced from 40.1 kg/m(2) (range 28.7-52.2) to 32.6 kg/m(2) (range 19.1-50.2) (P<.01). Only 2 patients (2%) underwent additional bariatric surgery after rRYGB. The overall result was satisfactory for 74% of the patients. Only 21% of the patients adhered to the recommendation of lifelong multivitamin supplements while 76% took vitamin B12. Anemia was present in 18%. CONCLUSIONS: rRYGB results in sustained weight loss and satisfied patients when VBG or GB have failed. Subsequent bariatric surgery was rare but micronutrient deficiencies were frequent.