Novel therapeutics in rare genetic obesities: A narrative review.

The better understanding of the molecular causes of rare genetic obesities and its associated phenotype involving the hypothalamus allows today to consider innovative therapeutics focused on hunger control. Several new pharmacological molecules benefit patients with monogenic or syndromic obesity. They are likely to be among the treatment options for these patients in the coming years, helping clinicians and patients prevent rapid weight progression and eventually limit bariatric surgery procedures, which is less effective in these patients. Their positioning in the management of such patients will be needed to be well defined to develop precision medicine in genetic forms of obesity.

Jejunal Feeding by Gastrojejunal Tube in Pediatric Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine whether jejunal nutrition by gastrojejunal tube (GJT) could be a therapeutic option for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), avoiding further antireflux surgery. METHODS: A monocentric retrospective study was conducted for all children <18 years who underwent GJT placement to treat GERD. We collected data at the first GJT placement, 5 months after last GJT withdrawal, and at the end of the follow-up (June 2021). RESULTS: Among 46 GERD patients with 86 GJT, 32 (69.6%) and 30 (65.2%) avoided antireflux surgery 5 and 28 months, respectively, after the definitive GJT removal. Five months after GJT removal, discharge from hospital, transition to gastric nutrition, GERD complications, and treatment were significantly improved. Median age and weight at the first GJT placement were 7 months and 6.8 kg. Patients had digestive comorbidities or complicated GERD in 69.6% and 76.1% patients, respectively. The median duration of jejunal nutrition using GJT was 64.5 days. GJT had to be removed in 63 (75.9%) cases for technical problems. CONCLUSIONS: Jejunal nutrition by GJT could be an alternative to antireflux surgery avoiding sustainably antireflux surgery in most of complicated GERD patients. The high frequency of mechanical complications raises that these devices should be technically improved.

Current Treatments for Patients with Genetic Obesity

Obesity derives from impaired central control of body weight, implying interaction between environment and an individual genetic predisposition. Genetic obesities, including monogenic and syndromic obesities, are rare and complex neuro-endocrine pathologies where the genetic contribution is predominant. Severe and early-onset obesity with eating disorders associated with frequent comorbidities make these diseases challenging. Their current estimated prevalence of 5-10% in severely obese children is probably underestimated due to the limited access to genetic diagnosis. A central alteration of hypothalamic regulation of weight implies that the leptin-melanocortin pathway is responsible for the symptoms. The management of genetic obesity has so far been only based, above all, on lifestyle intervention, especially regarding nutrition and physical activity. New therapeutic options have emerged in the last years for these patients, raising great hope to manage their complex situation and improve quality of life. Implementation of genetic diagnosis in clinical practice is thus of paramount importance to allow individualized care. This review describes the current clinical management of genetic obesity and the evidence on which it is based. Some insights will also be provided into new therapies under evaluation.