Hepamet Fibrosis Score in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients in Mexico: Lower than Expected Positive Predictive Value.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with different negative outcomes in the presence of advanced fibrosis. The Hepamet Fibrosis Score (HFS), a recently described noninvasive score, has shown excellent performance for the detection of advanced fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess its performance in a Mexican population with NAFLD. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study performed in 222 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD, of whom 33(14%) had advanced fibrosis. We retrieved clinical data from each patient's medical record to compute the HFS, the NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), and the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and assess their performance. RESULTS: When considering the models as continuous variables, the area under the receiving operating characteristics curve of the HFS(0.758) was not different from that of the NFS(0.669, p = 0.09) or FIB-4(0.796, p = 0.1). The HFS had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 76.7% (95% CI 57.7-90.1), 90.1% (95% CI 85-93.9), 36.7% (95% CI 19.9-56.1), and 94.3% (95% CI 88.5-97.7), respectively. Indeterminate results (i.e., gray area) were more common with FIB-4 and HFS when compared with NFS [139(63%) and 122(55%) vs 80(36%), p < 0.001]. The variables that were associated with misclassification using the HFS were diabetes [OR 3.40 (95% CI 1.42-8.10), p = 0.006] and age [OR 1.06 (95% CI 1.01-1.11), p = 0.01]. CONCLUSION: The HFS showed sensitivity and specificity similar to that reported in the original publication; however, the positive predictive value was 36.7% at a pretest probability of 14%. The role of the HFS in prospective studies and in combination with other methods should be further explored.

The Short-Term Effects of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Renal Excretion of Sodium and Its Association with Blood Pressure.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery has been shown to be effective in reducing weight and has benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. An increase in urinary sodium excretion has been suggested as a possible mechanism. This study explored changes in sodium excretion and their correlation with blood pressure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 28 obese participants with body mass index (BMI) of 44.54 ± 7.81 kg/m2 who underwent gastric bypass. Before surgery and at the third and sixth months after gastric bypass, blood pressure, urinary sodium concentration, 24-hour (24-h) urinary sodium excretion, and fractional excretion of sodium were evaluated. In addition, serum sodium and potassium levels were determined. Nonparametric tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Blood pressure decreased after surgery and remained at low levels over the 3- and 6-month periods. The urinary sodium concentration increased at 3 months after surgery; however, the 24-h urinary sodium excretion and urine volume decreased. Interestingly, although some associations between variables were observed, significant correlations between the 24-h urinary sodium excretion and the systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures were found. In addition, the urine volume was higher in the sixth month than in the third month following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the months immediately following surgery, a low-salt and low-volume diet favors decreases in urine volume and 24-h urinary sodium excretion. In addition, in the sixth month after surgery, an association between blood pressure and 24-h urinary sodium excretion was observed.

Leptin receptor gene polymorphisms and morbid obesity in Mexican patients.

BACKGROUND: Human obesity is due to a complex interaction among environmental, behavioral, developmental and genetic factors, including the interaction of leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR). Several LEPR mutations and polymorphisms have been described in patients with early onset severe obesity and hyperphagic eating behavior; however, some contradictory findings have also been reported. In the present study we explored the association of six LEPR gene polymorphisms in patients with morbid obesity. FINDINGS: Twenty eight patients with morbid obesity and 56 non-obese Mexican Mestizo individuals were included. Typing of rs1137100, rs1137101, rs1805134, Ser492Thr, rs1805094 and rs1805096 LEPR polymorphisms was performed by PCR and allele specific hybridization. The LEPR Ser492Thr polymorphism was monomorphic with the presence of only the Ser492Thr-G allele. Allele C and genotype T/C for rs1805134 polymorphism were associated with susceptibility to morbid obesity (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). No association was observed with any haplotype. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) showed that five polymorphisms (rs1137100, rs1137101, rs1805134, rs1805094 and rs1805096) were in absolute (D' = 1) but none in perfect (r2 = 1) LD. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that rs1805134 polymorphism could be involved in the development of morbid obesity, whilst none of the alleles of the LEPR gene, rs1137100, rs1137101, rs1805094 and rs1805096 were associated as risk factors. However, more studies are necessary to confirm or reject this hypothesis.

[Transgastric laparo-endoscopic approach for difficult access lesions. Experimental mode]. / Abordaje laparo-endoscópico transgástrico para lesiones de difícil acceso. Modelo experimental.

BACKGROUND: Gastric neoplasms can be treated by laparoscopy in a safe and efficient way. Some lesions are not accessible to laparoscopic surgery due to their location. A transgastric approach is proposed as an alternative. OBJECTIVE: Show the results with the application of an endoscopic laparotomy in an animal model that maintains functional anatomy, to resect the posterior gastric neoplasms of the stomach wall, close to the cardia and pre-pyloric region. METHODS: The laparo-endoscopic technique for resection of gastric neoplasms located in the posterior wall was developed in twelve pigs at the Hospital General Gea González from May to December 2011. TECHNIQUE: An endoscopy was performed to establish the site of insertion of intragastric trocars. Three gastrotomies were made in the anterior wall; under endoscopic and laparoscopic vision the trocars were inserted. The stomach was insufflated with CO2. The lesion was resected maintaining a 20 mm circumferencial margin. The gastrotomies were sutured. The statistic analysis was made with t Student and exact Fisher tests. RESULTS: One-hundred percent of resections were achieved in an average time of 102.33 minutes (± 4.50). Two complications and no transoperatory deceases occurred. DISCUSSION: The technique we describe allows an appropriate approach to gastric lesions located in the posterior wall, those near to the esophagogastric juntion and the prepiloric region, due to the excellent exposure managed by working inside the stomach with a laparoscopic vision and the two intragastric movile ports. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic transgastric approach is feasible and safe for the resection of gastric neoplasms located in the posterior wall, those close to the esophago-gastric junction, and the pre-pyloric region.

Antecedentes: las neoplasias gástricas pueden tratarse de forma segura y eficaz mediante laparoscopia. Debido a su localización algunas lesiones son inaccesibles mediante cirugía laparoscópica, como alternativa se propone el abordaje transgástrico. Objetivo: exponer los resultados con la aplicación de una técnica laparo-endoscópica en un modelo animal que mantenga funcional la anatomía, para resecar neoplasias gástricas de la pared posterior del estómago, próximas al cardias y a la región pre-pilórica. Material y métodos: el estudio se efectuó entre los meses de mayo a diciembre de 2011en el Hospital General Gea González y consistió en experimentar en 12 cerdos la técnica laparo-endoscópica para resección de neoplasias gástricas de la pared posterior. La inserción de los trócares intragástricos se realizó mediante endoscopia. Se efectuaron tres gastrotomías en la pared anterior y con visión endoscópica los trócares se introdujeron con el auxilio laparoscópico. El estómago se insufló con CO2. La lesión se resecó manteniendo un margen circunferencial de 20 mm, se suturaron las gastrotomías, se utilizaron la prueba de t de Student y la prueba exacta de Fisher para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: todas las resecciones fueron exitosas y se efectuaron en un tiempo promedio de 102.33 minutos (± 4.50), hubo dos complicaciones y ninguna defunción transoperatoria. Conclusiones: el abordaje laparoscópico transgástrico es factible y seguro para resecar neoplasias de la pared posterior del estómago, próximas a la unión esófago-gástrica y área prepilórica.

[Vaginal evisceration. Report of a case and a literature review]. / Evisceración vaginal. Informe de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal evisceration is a rare event associated to be associated with several factors. In premenopausal women it is often associated with trauma during intercourse, rape, iatrogenic injury and introduction of foreign objects. In postmenopausal women 73% of cases are associated with previous vaginal surgery or hysterectomy. CASE REPORT: Here we present the case of a female patient who had a vaginal evisceration six days after an abdominal hysterectomy. The patient underwent an abdominal reduction of the small bowel, but due to irreversible vascular compromise it was resected. The vaginal cuff was closed with interrupted non-absorbable sutures. CONCLUSION: Vaginal evisceration is a rare disease associated with pelvic surgery. When it happens, it should be addressed as an emergency. The abdominal approach is the choice when there is trauma or intestinal ischemia, while the combined vaginal with laparoscopic approach is a good option in selected patients.

[Laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy as an optional treatment choledocholithiasis]. / Coledocoduodenoanastomosis laparoscópica como opción terapéutica en coledocolitiasis compleja.

INTRODUCTION: Choledochoduodenostomy is indicated for unsolved choledocholithiasis and biliary malignant or benign stenosis. This surgical procedure has been feared for its potential complications. This article shows our initial experience with this laparo-endoscopic approach. METHODS: We performed laparoscopic choledochoduodenoastomy in seven elderly patients with recurrent or unsolved choledocholithiasis. Additionally, laparo-endoscopic extraction of gallstones was performed in necessary cases. We gathered and analyzed the demographic data, diagnostic proofs and follow up of the patients. RESULTS: Average age of patients was 71 years, with 57.1% of women in our population. Main omorbidities of our patients included obesity in 71.4%, diabetes mellitus type 2 in 57.4%, and arterial hypertension in 42.85%. Patients had in average 2.7 previous episodes of choledocholithiasis and/or cholangitis and the average diameter of the removed stones was 22.6 mm. Average follow-up was 155 days (range 28 to 420). DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic chooledochoduodenostomy has proved to be safe, effective and be superior to open surgery, as long as an appropriate selection of patients is performed and surgeons with experience on laparoscopic techniques are available. All these factors reduce the long-term complications with which this surgical procedure has been related. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy is an option for the definitive surgical treatment of "difficult choledocholithiasis" in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities; it also offers the advantages of the minimally invasive approaches.

Psychosocial Profile of Bariatric Surgery Candidates and the Correlation between Obesity Level and Psychological Variables

Bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective treatment for severe obesity. Weight loss and long-term maintenance depend on patient’s ability to implement permanent lifestyle changes. Presurgical psychological evaluation and intervention are proposed for a better post surgical prognosis. The aim of present study was to make a psychosocial profile with the results of psychological evaluation performed to 129 bariatric surgery candidates and to determine associations between psychological variables with obesity level. Patients were evaluated with an oral interview, the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and the following self-reported instruments: Beck Depression Inventory, Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory, Stress Control Perception, Risk Factors related to Eating Behavior Disorders Scale, Quality of Life and Health Inventory. Study population was divided in groups according to obesity level, evaluation results were compared according to these groups. Results in present study show a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders; obesity level was not directly associated with level of psychopathology. Another finding is that at higher level of obesity, there is less concern about weight and food and also there is a significant higher perception of family support. The group of patients with higher concerns about weight and food had lower BMI and less perception of family support (AU)

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