Nutritional and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery: a case series from a UK centre.

BACKGROUND: Women with obesity who become pregnant after bariatric surgery have a reduced risk of several obstetric complications; however, limited data exist from the UK population. The present study aimed to characterise a case series of women who attended a medical antenatal clinic for pregnancy following bariatric surgery. METHODS: Routine clinical information was collected retrospectively from the medical notes of women who had bariatric surgery and subsequently delivered between January 2012 and November 2018. All were seen in the medical antenatal clinic at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. RESULTS: Data were available for 46 pregnancies. Of these, 27.9% conceived in the first year after surgery. At 9 weeks of gestation, 13.3%, 28.9%, 33.3% and 24.4% were in the healthy, overweight, obese or severely obese category, respectively. Mean (SD) gestational weight gain was 11.9 (6.9) kg, with 54.1% gaining excess weight. Less than half (39.1%) of women were taking the recommended dose of 5 mg of folic acid when first seen. Some 56.1% and 64.6% had suboptimal iron or vitamin D statuses, respectively. Following advice from the clinic, a greater proportion of women took suitable micronutrient supplements. Subsequently, 93% of babies were born at full term, of whom 88% were of healthy weight. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the nutritional risks associated with bariatric surgery and the high prevalence of obesity during pregnancy, perinatal outcomes were generally positive, with low rates of infants born preterm or low birth weight. Nutritional supplementation practices and iron status improved with input from a specialist team, underlying the importance of individualised input in this population.

Relationships between markers of inflammation and bone density: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.

Among 365 Hertfordshire Cohort Study participants (aged 59-71 years at baseline), higher adiponectin and adiponectin to leptin ratios were associated with lower baseline lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). Lower IL-10 was associated with accelerated decline in lumbar spine BMD. This suggests that bone health can be influenced by changes in immune phenotype and alterations in adipokine homeostasis. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the association between indices of inflammation and BMD in a population-based cohort of older adults in the UK. METHODS: Analyses were based on a sample of 194 men and 171 women of the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (community-living, older adults). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed at the lumbar spine and proximal femur at baseline and repeated at a median of 4.5 years (inter-quartile range 3.6 to 5.2). Inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, adiponectin and leptin) were ascertained at baseline using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques and Bio-Plex Pro Assays. Gender-adjusted linear regression was used to examine the associations between markers of inflammation and outcomes with and without adjustment for anthropometric and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: The mean (SD) ages at baseline were 64.4 (2.5) and 66.5 (2.7) years for men and women respectively. Higher levels of adiponectin and adiponectin to leptin ratios were each associated with lower baseline lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD in gender-adjusted (p < 0.01) and fully adjusted (p < 0.05) analyses. Lower levels of IL-10 and TNF were each associated with accelerated decline in lumbar spine BMD in both gender-adjusted (p ≤ 0.05) and fully adjusted (p < 0.05) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of older adults, high levels of adiponectin and adiponectin to leptin ratios were both associated with lower BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck at baseline, and lower IL-10 was associated with accelerated decline in BMD at the lumbar spine. This adds weight to the theory that bone health can be influenced by changes in immune phenotype and alterations in adipokine homeostasis.

Comparison of nutrient intake in adolescents and adults with and without food allergies.

BACKGROUND: Exclusion diets for the management of food allergy pose a risk of nutritional deficiencies and inadequate growth in children, yet less is known about their effect in adolescents and adults. The present study aimed to compare the dietary intake of adolescents and adults with food allergies with that of a control group. METHODS: A food allergic and a control group were recruited from Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight in the UK. Participants were recruited from a food allergy charity, allergy clinics, a local school and university, and previous research studies. Macro and micronutrient intake data were obtained using a 4-day estimated food diary. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data was collected via a constructed questionnaire. RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included 81 adolescents (48 food allergic and 33 controls) aged 11-18 years and 70 adults aged 19-65 years (23 food allergic and 47 controls). Overall, 19 (22.8%) adolescents and 19 (27.1%) adults took dietary supplements, with no difference according to food allergic status. Adolescents with food allergy had higher intakes of niacin and selenium than adolescents without (P < 0.05). This difference persisted when dietary supplements were removed from the analysis. Adults with food allergies had higher intakes of folate and zinc than those without (P < 0.05); however, this difference did not persist when dietary supplements were removed from the analysis. Across all participants, the intake of several micronutrients was suboptimal. There was no difference in protein or energy intake, or body mass index, according to food allergic status. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary intake of food allergic participants was broadly similar and, in some cases, better than that of control participants. However, suboptimal intakes of several micronutrients were observed across all participants, suggesting poor food choices.

Relationships Between Markers of Inflammation and Muscle Mass, Strength and Function: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.

We investigated the longitudinal relationships between inflammation markers and the following outcomes in a UK cohort study: appendicular lean mass (ALM); walking speed; level and change in grip strength; and sarcopenia defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Analyses were based on 336 community-dwelling older men and women (aged 59-70 years) who participated in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS). Inflammation markers were ascertained at baseline using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques and Bio-Plex Pro Assays. Grip strength was measured at baseline and follow-up [median follow-up time: 10.8 years (inter-quartile range 10.2-11.6)] and change in grip strength was ascertained using a residual change approach. At follow-up, ALM was ascertained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, customary walking speed was measured and sarcopenia status was ascertained. Gender-adjusted linear and Poisson regression was used to examine the associations between inflammation markers and outcomes with and without adjustment for anthropometric and lifestyle factors. Higher C-reactive protein was associated (p < 0.04) with lower grip strength and accelerated decline in grip strength from baseline to follow-up. Higher cortisol was associated with lower ALM (p < 0.05). Higher interleukin-8 (IL-8) was associated with lower ALM (p < 0.05) and increased risk of sarcopenia [fully-adjusted relative risk per SD increase in IL-8: 1.37 (95% CI 1.10, 1.71), p = 0.005]. All associations were robust in fully-adjusted analyses. Inflammation markers were associated with measures of muscle mass, strength and function in HCS. Further work is required to replicate these associations and to delineate the underlying mechanisms.

The accuracy of dietary recall of infant feeding and food allergen data.

BACKGROUND: Research investigating the association of infant dietary factors with later health outcomes often relies on maternal recall. It is unclear what the effect of recall bias is on the accuracy of the information obtained. The present study aimed to determine the extent of recall bias on the accuracy of infant feeding and food allergen data collected 10 years later. METHODS: Mothers were recruited from a prospective birth cohort from the Isle of Wight. When their child was 10 years of age (2011/2012), mothers were requested to complete a retrospective infant feeding questionnaire asking the same questions as those solicited in 2001/2002. RESULTS: In total, 125 mothers participated. There was substantial agreement for recollection of any breastfeeding (κ = 0.79) and the duration of breastfeeding from 10 years earlier (r = 0.84). Some 94% of mothers recalled accurately that their child had received formula milk. The exact age at which formula milk was first given was reliably answered (r = 0.63). The brand of formula milk was poorly recalled. Recall of age of introduction of solid food was not reliable (r = 0.16). The age of introduction of peanuts was the only food allergen that was recalled accurately (86%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the importance of maternal recall bias of infant feeding practices over 10 years. Recall related to breastfeeding and formula feeding were reliable, whereas recalls related to age of introduction of solid or allergenic foods, apart from peanut, were not. Caution should be applied when interpreting studies relying on dietary recall.

Taste preference, food neophobia and nutritional intake in children consuming a cows' milk exclusion diet: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Taste exposure in infancy is known to predict food preferences later in childhood. This is particularly relevant in children with cows' milk allergy who consume a substitute formula and/or a cows' milk exclusion (CME) diet early in life. This prospective study aimed to show whether there is a long-term effect of consuming a substitute formula and CME diet on taste preferences and dietary intake. METHODS: Children were predominantly recruited from two large birth cohort studies in the UK. Two groups were recruited: an experimental group of children who had consumed a CME diet during infancy and a control group who had consumed an unrestricted diet during infancy. Parents completed a food neophobia questionnaire and an estimated prospective food diary. Children completed a taste preference test and their growth was assessed. RESULTS: One hundred and one children with a mean age of 11.5 years were recruited (28 CME and 73 controls). Children in the CME group had a significantly higher preference for bitter taste than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There were significant differences between the groups with respect to the intake of some micronutrients, including riboflavin, iodine, sodium and selenium. Food neophobia did not differ between groups. Some 28% of the CME group were overweight/obese compared to 15% of the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Consuming a substitute formula and/or a CME diet in infancy has a long-term effect on the preference for bitter taste. Differences exist with respect to the intake of some micronutrients, but not macronutrients. There was a nonsignificant trend towards being overweight and obese in children in the CME group.

Fussy eating and feeding difficulties in infants and toddlers consuming a cows' milk exclusion diet.

BACKGROUND: Cows' milk allergy (CMA) is the most common infant food allergy in the United Kingdom, requiring a strict exclusion diet. Feeding difficulties and fussy eating are also very common problems in young children and can negatively influence feeding and dietary intake in an infant with CMA. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of fussy eating and feeding difficulties in two groups of young children: a group consuming an exclusion diet for CMA and a control group of children consuming an unrestricted diet. METHOD: Participants were recruited from allergy and health visitor clinics on the Isle of Wight. Parents completed a number of questionnaires about their child's feeding behaviour. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six participants (mean age 13 months) were recruited. Participants consuming an exclusion diet for CMA had significantly higher scores for both fussy eating and feeding difficulties (p < 0.05), although overall both groups were within the normal range. A number of symptoms were found to be positively moderately correlated with higher feeding difficulty score (p < 0.05). A higher consumption of milk/milk substitute consumed per day was positively correlated to both feeding difficulties and fussy eating (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Participants consuming an exclusion diet for CMA have higher scores for feeding difficulties and fussy eating than those consuming an unrestricted diet; however, the majority of participants' scores were within the normal range and did not affect the growth.

Diplopia from peribulbar ropivicaine.

PURPOSE: To report a previously undescribed side-effect of ropivicaine (Naropin) used in peribulbar anaesthesia. METHODS: We report nine cases identified prospectively with symptomatic diplopia, predominantly vertical, following Ropivicaine use for peribulbar anaesthesia in routine cataract surgery. These nine cases occurred in a 10-week period from a total of 77 patients given 7 mL peribulbar ropivicaine (10 mg/mL) with 750 units hyalase prior to cataract extraction by a single surgical team. RESULTS: None of the cases had preoperative ocular motility disturbances and none had superior rectus traction sutures. All diplopia resolved in less than 30 h. CONCLUSIONS: Ropivicaine may have a prolonged motor block resulting in diplopia of up to 30 h duration after peribulbar anaesthesia.

Malignant glaucoma following laser iridotomy.

BACKGROUND: A 69-year-old man presented with malignant glaucoma 10 days after an iridotomy for acute angle-closure glaucoma. METHODS: The case notes are reviewed, describing his presentation and treatment, including the technique of extracapsular cataract extraction with anterior vitrectomy. RESULTS: An excellent visual outcome was achieved with no recurrence of the malignant glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the recently established link between laser iridotomy and malignant glaucoma. Miotics and other possible causes are excluded, a surgical option is described and the importance of assessing central anterior chamber depth in cases of angle closure is emphasised.

Photoscreening to detect potential amblyopia.

Photoscreening to detect amblyopiogenic conditions is particularly applicable for the child under three years of age because conventional testing is difficult. We have designed an eccentric photoscreener that is inexpensive, easily used and requires only one diagnostic photograph. Some 231 infants and children were refracted and photoscreened and results compared in a blind study. Compliance was good and all cases of strabismus, amblyopia, and amblyopiogenic conditions were diagnosed.

Random dot stereogram E in vision screening of children.

The random dot stereogram E (RDE) has been shown to be a simple and effective test for the detection of binocular abnormalities and defective visual acuity in children. We determined the validity of the RDE as a screening test for reduced visual acuity, amblyopia and strabismus in two separate populations of children. A nonselective group of 100 school children (aged 5 to 15 years) who presented consecutively to the ophthalmology department at Auckland Public Hospital were tested with the RDE. All cases of amblyopia and strabismus were detected by the RDE. Similar screening with the RDE test of 168 preschool children (aged three to four years) in the community resulted in an unacceptably high over-referral rate. The test was unreliable in the preschool age group because of difficulty in distinguishing between test failure and non-cooperation with the test. The low positive predictive value of the test in the younger age group suggests the test to be unsuitable for preschool vision screening.

Pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema and its treatment with local steroids.

The treatment of 26 cases of cystoid macular oedema following cataract extraction is reviewed. Cases treated early and more aggressively with betamethazone drops and subtenons injection of methylprednisolone, responded well to treatment. Those given later and less aggressive treatment had a less satisfactory outcome. Our results would suggest that local steroids are effective in the treatment of pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema.