The effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and one-anastomosis gastric bypass on glycemic control and remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial (the DIABAR-trial).

BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery induces rapid remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is a paucity of high level evidence comparing the efficacy of the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and the laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in glycemic control. Also, the mechanisms that drive the conversion of T2DM in severe obese subjects to euglycemia are poorly understood. METHODS: The DIABAR-trial is an open, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial with 10 years follow-up which will be performed in 220 severely obese patients, diagnosed with T2DM and treated with glucose-lowering agents. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo RYGB or OAGB. The primary outcome is glycemic control at 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcome measures are diverse and include weight loss, surgical complications, psychologic status and quality of life, dietary behavior, gastrointestinal symptoms, repetitive bloodwork to identify changes over time, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity as measured by mixed meal tests, remission of T2DM, presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in liver biopsy, oral and fecal microbiome, cardiovascular performance, composition of bile acids, and the tendency to develop gallstones. DISCUSSION: The DIABAR-trial is one of the few randomized controlled trials primarily aimed to evaluate the glycemic response after the RYGB and OAGB in severe obese patients diagnosed with T2DM. Secondary aims of the trial are to contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that drive the remission of T2DM in severe obese patients by identification of microbial, immunological, and metabolic markers for metabolic response and to compare complications and side effects of RYGB and OAGB. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03330756 ; date first registered: October 13, 2017.

Adipose Tissue, Bile Acids, and Gut Microbiome Species Associated With Gallstones After Bariatric Surgery.

Several risk factors are associated with gallstone disease after bariatric surgery, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of gallstone formation are unclear. We hypothesize that gallstone formation after bariatric surgery is induced by different pathways compared with gallstone formation in the general population, since postoperative formation occurs rapidly in patients who did not develop gallstones in preceding years. To identify both pathophysiological and potentially protective mechanisms against postoperative gallstone formation, we compared the preoperative fasting metabolome, fecal microbiome, and liver and adipose tissue transcriptome obtained before or during bariatric surgery of obese patients with and without postoperative gallstones. In total, 88 patients were selected from the BARIA longitudinal cohort study. Within this group, 32 patients had postoperative gallstones within 2 years. Gut microbiota metagenomic analyses showed group differences in abundance of 41 bacterial species, particularly abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae in patients without gallstones. Subcutaneous adipose tissue transcriptomic analyses revealed four genes that were suppressed in gallstone patients compared with patients without gallstones. These baseline gene expression and gut microbiota composition differences might relate to protective mechanisms against gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. Moreover, baseline fasting blood samples of patients with postoperative gallstones showed increased levels of several bile acids. Overall, we revealed different genes and bacteria associated with gallstones than those previously reported in the general population, supporting the hypothesis that gallstone formation after bariatric surgery follows a different trajectory. Further research is necessary to confirm the involvement of the bile acids, adipose tissue activity, and microbial species observed here.

External validation of a rapid, non-invasive tool for periodontitis screening in a medical care setting.

OBJECTIVES: Medical professionals should advise their patients to visit a dentist if necessary. Due to the lack of time and knowledge, screening for periodontitis is often not done. To alleviate this problem, a screening model for total (own teeth/gum health, gum treatment, loose teeth, mouthwash use, and age)/severe periodontitis (gum treatment, loose teeth, tooth appearance, mouthwash use, age, and sex) in a medical care setting was developed in the Academic Center of Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) [1]. The purpose of the present study was to externally validate this tool in an outpatient medical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were requited in an outpatient medical setting as the validation cohort. The self-reported oral health questionnaire was conducted, demographic data were collected, and periodontal examination was performed. Algorithm discrimination was expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Calibration plots were made. RESULTS: For predicting total periodontitis, the AUROCC was 0.59 with a sensitivity of 49% and specificity of 68%. The PPV was 57% and the NPV scored 55%. For predicting severe periodontitis, the AUROCC was 0.73 with a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 63%. The PPV was 39% and the NPV 87%. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the algorithm for severe periodontitis is found to be sufficient in the current medical study population. Further external validation of periodontitis algorithms in non-dental school populations is recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because general physicians are obligated to screen patients for periodontitis, it is our general goal that they can use a prediction model in medical settings without an oral examination.

A systems biology approach to understand gut microbiota and host metabolism in morbid obesity: design of the BARIA Longitudinal Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of obesity and associated diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are increasing. Underlying mechanisms, especially in humans, are unclear. Bariatric surgery provides the unique opportunity to obtain biopsies and portal vein blood-samples. METHODS: The BARIA Study aims to assess how microbiota and their metabolites affect transcription in key tissues and clinical outcome in obese subjects and how baseline anthropometric and metabolic characteristics determine weight loss and glucose homeostasis after bariatric surgery. We phenotype patients undergoing bariatric surgery (predominantly laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), before weight loss, with biometrics, dietary and psychological questionnaires, mixed meal test (MMT) and collect fecal-samples and intra-operative biopsies from liver, adipose tissues and jejunum. We aim to include 1500 patients. A subset (approximately 25%) will undergo intra-operative portal vein blood-sampling. Fecal-samples are analyzed with shotgun metagenomics and targeted metabolomics, fasted and postprandial plasma-samples are subjected to metabolomics, and RNA is extracted from the tissues for RNAseq-analyses. Data will be integrated using state-of-the-art neuronal networks and metabolic modeling. Patient follow-up will be ten years. RESULTS: Preoperative MMT of 170 patients were analysed and clear differences were observed in glucose homeostasis between individuals. Repeated MMT in 10 patients showed satisfactory intra-individual reproducibility, with differences in plasma glucose, insulin and triglycerides within 20% of the mean difference. CONCLUSION: The BARIA study can add more understanding in how gut-microbiota affect metabolism, especially with regard to obesity, glucose metabolism and NAFLD. Identification of key factors may provide diagnostic and therapeutic leads to control the obesity-associated disease epidemic.

Lactose after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity, is it a problem?

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can cause multiple food intolerances and gastrointestinal complaints are frequently reported after dairy consumption. We aimed to determine the prevalence of lactose malabsorption and intolerance, and complaints associated with dairy consumption in daily life, before and after RYGB. METHOD: The lactose breath test (LBT) and lactose tolerance test (LTT) was performed in 84 patients awaiting RYGB surgery and 84 patients after surgery. Gastrointestinal symptoms at baseline and after testing were recorded. Lactose malabsorption was defined as a positive LBT and/or LTT. Lactose intolerance as a positive test combined with an increase of gastrointestinal complains. Dairy consumption in daily life and successive gastrointestinal complaints were registered via a questionnaire. Results of preoperative and postoperative patients were compared. RESULTS: Lactose malabsorption was present in 15 (17.9%) of the preoperative patients and in 25 (29.8%) of the postoperative patients (OR 2.46; 95%CI: 1.08-5.59; p = .03). Of the preoperative patients 6 (7.1%) patients met the criteria for lactose intolerance, compared to 8 (9.5%) patients in the postoperative group (OR 1.48; 95%CI 0.48-4.57; p = .50). Twelve (14.3%) preoperative patients indicated to have gastrointestinal complaints after dairy consumption in daily life versus 45 (53.6%) postoperative patients (p < .01). CONCLUSION: This study shows no increase in patients with proven lactose intolerance after RYGB compared to preoperative patients. Gastrointestinal complaints after dairy consumption in daily life were far more frequently reported by RYGB patients. It is unlikely that all reported gastrointestinal complaints are actually caused by lactose. Other ingredients in dairy, like fat, are possibly contributory.

Short-term prognosis of breakthrough venous thromboembolism in anticoagulated patients.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for guideline recommendations for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during anticoagulant therapy is scarce. We aimed to observe and to describe the management of VTE occurring during anticoagulant therapy. METHODS: This prospective multi-center, observational study included patients with objectively confirmed VTE during anticoagulant therapy (breakthrough event), with a follow-up of 3 months, after the breakthrough event. RESULTS: We registered 121 patients with a breakthrough event, with a mean age of 56 years (range, 19 to 90); 61 were male (50%). Fifty-eight patients (48%) had an active malignancy. At the time of the breakthrough event, 57 patients (47%) were treated with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), 53 patients (44%) with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and 11 patients (9%) with direct oral anticoagulants, unfractionated heparin, or VKA plus LMWH. A total of 21 patients (17%) were receiving a subtherapeutic dose of an anticoagulant. The main regimens to treat recurrence in patients on VKA were: switch to LMWH (33%), temporary double treatment with LMWH and VKA (23%), and VKA with a higher target INR (19%). In patients with a breakthrough on LMWH, the most frequently chosen regimen was a permanent dose increase (74%). During 3-month follow-up, 7% of patients had a second breakthrough event and 8% experienced major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding. CONCLUSION: There is wide variation in the management of VTE during anticoagulant treatment, reflecting a heterogeneous and complex clinical situation. Despite intensifying anticoagulation, the risk of a second breakthrough event in this population is 7%.

Venous thrombosis and coagulation parameters in patients with pure venous malformations.

INTRODUCTION: Venous malformations (VMs) are ubiquitous, low-flow vascular anomalies known to be occasionally painful due to thrombotic episodes within the lesion. The prevalence of superficial or deep vein thrombosis is unclear. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among outpatients aged ≥ 12 years with pure VMs was performed, quantifying the prevalence of thrombosis by screening all patients with compression ultrasonography (CUS). Additionally, we evaluated whether coagulation alterations were related to thrombosis observed with CUS. RESULTS: In total, 69 patients with pure VMs were eligible, median age was 30 years (range 12-63) and 52% were female. A total of 68 patients underwent CUS. Superficial vein thrombosis was observed in 10 (15%) cases; 1 patient had a current asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis. Residual superficial or deep thrombosis was observed in 25 patients (36%). In total, 49% had either a history or current signs of a thrombotic event and overall 10% had venous thromboembolism. In approximately 50% of the patients the D-dimer level was above 0.5 mg/l. Median P-selectin and Von Willebrand factor levels were 29 ng/ml (interquartile range (IQR) 21-34) and 108% (IQR 83-132), respectively. No differences were observed in the coagulation parameters between the patients with and without current clots in their VM. CONCLUSION: This study shows that superficial or deep vein thrombosis is common among patients with a pure VM. Physicians should be aware of this high incidence, especially if other risk factors for thrombosis are present.

[Bariatric surgery: who, when and where?; an overview for the referring physician]. / Bariatrische chirurgie: hoe, wanneer, wat en bij wie?

- Bariatric surgery is performed in patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 40kg/m2, or BMI > 35 kg/m2 with obesity-related comorbidities. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are the most frequently used procedures.- On average, patients have lost 25-27% of their original weight 10 years after surgery.- Obesity-related comorbidities improve dramatically in many patients following surgery. The effect is most noticeable in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. - The prevalence of 30-day complications is < 5%. Mortality is < 0.2% in centres with a lot of experience. - Commonly occurring long-term complications of bariatric surgery include deficiencies, particularly of iron and vitamin B12, along with gallstone disease and sagging skin. - Specific complications can arise following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, such as internal herniation and hypoglycaemia, and these are often not recognised.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and food intolerance 2 years after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, but might aggravate gastrointestinal complaints and food intolerance. The long-term prevalence of these symptoms has not been well studied. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, all patients who underwent primary LRYGB from May to October 2012 were approached 2 years after surgery to complete a general health questionnaire, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and a food intolerance questionnaire. The results were compared with those for a control group of morbidly obese patients. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients were included for analysis, representing a response rate of 93·9 per cent. Mean(s.d.) total weight loss was 30·8(8·7) per cent. The total mean GSRS score was higher in patients who had LRYGB (median 2·19 versus 1·75 in unoperated patients; P < 0·001); the difference in symptoms of indigestion was most notable (P < 0·001). Food intolerance for specific products was reported by 70·7 (95 per cent c.i. 64·8 to 76·0) per cent of the postoperative patients, for a median of 4 foods. There was a positive correlation between food intolerance and score on the GSRS. There was no correlation between either food intolerance or the total mean GSRS score and weight loss, but there was a correlation between weight loss and abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: At 2 years after surgery, patients undergoing LRYGB for morbid obesity have more gastrointestinal complaints than obese controls. Food intolerance is a common side-effect of LRYGB independent of degree of weight loss or the presence of other abdominal symptoms.

Add-on treatment with intermediate-acting insulin versus sliding-scale insulin for patients with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance during cyclic glucocorticoid-containing antineoplastic chemotherapy: a randomized crossover study.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of intermediate-acting insulin (IMI) titrated on body weight and glucocorticoid dose with that of short-acting sliding-scale insulin (SSI) in patients on recurrent high-dose glucocorticoid-containing chemotherapy. We enrolled 26 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or random blood glucose level >12 mmol/l in a previous cycle of chemotherapy in a randomized crossover study. In two consecutive cycles of glucocorticoid-containing chemotherapy, participants were treated with either IMI or SSI, as add-on to routine diabetes medication. We compared time spent in target range (3.9-10 mmol/l), measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and the occurrence of hypoglycaemia. IMI resulted in a higher proportion of glucose values within target range than SSI (34.4 vs 20.9%; p < 0.001). There were no severe or symptomatic hypoglycaemic events. Two participants in each group had a subclinical hypoglycaemia detected only by CGM. Once-daily IMI resulted in better glycaemic control than SSI in patients with glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycaemia during chemotherapy. Safety was not compromised as the incidence of hypoglycaemia was low and not different between both regimens.

Physician's attitudes towards diagnosing and treating glucocorticoid induced hyperglycaemia: Sliding scale regimen is still widely used despite guidelines.

AIMS: Treatment with glucocorticoids for neoplasms and inflammatory disorders is frequently complicated by glucocorticoid induced hyperglycaemia (GCIH). GCIH is associated with adverse outcomes and its treatment has short term and long term benefits. Currently, treatment targets and modalities depend on local protocols and habits of individual clinicians. We explored current practice of screening and treatment of GCIH in patients receiving glucocorticoid pulse therapy. METHODS: A factorial survey with written case vignettes. All vignette patients received glucocorticoid pulse therapy. Other characteristics (e.g., indication for glucocorticoid therapy, pre-existent diabetes) varied. The survey was held between November 2013 and May 2014 on 2 nationwide conferences and in hospitals across The Netherlands. Pulmonologists and internists expressed their level of agreement with statements on ordering capillary glucose testing and treatment initiation. RESULTS: Respondents ordered screening for GCIH in 85% of vignette patients and initiated treatment in 56%. When initiating treatment, respondents opt for sliding scale insulin in 62% of patients. Sliding scale insulin was more frequently prescribed in patients with pre-existent insulin dependent diabetes (OR 2.4, CI 1.3-4.2) and by residents (vs. specialists, OR 2.1, CI 1.2-3.5). Sixty-nine percent of clinicians experienced a lack of guidelines for GCIH. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians have a strong tendency to screen for GCIH but subsequent initiation of treatment was low. Sliding scale insulin is still widely used in episodic GCIH despite evidence against its effectiveness. This may be due to lacking evidence on feasible treatment options for GCIH.

Traditional Chinese lipid-lowering agent red yeast rice results in significant LDL reduction but safety is uncertain - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the safety and effectiveness of traditional Chinese red yeast rice-extract (RYR) for reduction of LDL cholesterol. METHODS: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Medline and EMBASE were searched until November 2014. We selected randomized studies in which RYR with a known content of the active substance monacolin K was tested against placebo or an active control group. Outcome measures were the effect of RYR on LDL cholesterol and incidence of adverse reactions with emphasis on liver and kidney injury and muscle symptoms. RESULTS: Twenty studies were analyzed. Quality of safety assessment was low in the majority of studies. RYR lowered LDL cholesterol with 1.02 mmol/L [-1.20; -0.83] compared to placebo. Effect of RYR on LDL was not different from statin therapy (0.03 mmol/L [-0.36; 0.41]). The incidence of liver and kidney injury was 0-5% and the risk was not different between treatment and control groups (risk difference -0.01 [-0.01; 0.0] and 0.0 [-0.01; 0.02]). CONCLUSIONS: RYR exerts a clinically and statistically significant reduction of 1.02 mmol/L LDL cholesterol. Only when the mild profile of adverse reactions can be affirmed in studies with adequate methodology for safety assessment, RYR might be a safe and effective treatment option for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk reduction in statin intolerant patients.

Factors that drive insulin-dosing decisions of diabetes care providers: a vignette-based study in the Netherlands.

AIM: To test how certain patient factors would influence the decision of Dutch care providers regarding insulin dose adjustments. We hypothesize that some of these decisions would diverge from recent evidence and consensus statements. METHODS: We developed narrative vignettes describing clinical scenarios of patients receiving basal insulin therapy. For each vignette, the respondents were asked to indicate whether they would advise a change in insulin dose. A total of 520 paper questionnaires were distributed among physicians and nurses in primary and secondary care in the Netherlands. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with dosing decisions. RESULTS: A total of 190 (37%) questionnaires were returned. In cases of a severe rather than mild hypoglycaemic event, care providers were nearly five times more likely to decrease the dose (odds ratio 4.77, 95% CI 1.65-13.75). Care providers were six times more likely to increase the dose when the patient's current dose was low (30 units) rather than high (90 units) (odds ratio 6.38, 95% CI 3.04-13.37). The plasma glucose concentration during a hypoglycaemic event and a known history of cardiovascular disease did not influence the care providers' dosing decisions. CONCLUSION: Evidence regarding the optimum insulin titration is not always translated into clinical practice. When formulating guidelines, misconceptions should be identified and addressed.

Venous thromboembolism in overt hyperthyroidism - a direct association with clinical implications?

Hyperthyroidism is associated with procoagulant changes in the haemostatic system. At present, it is uncertain whether this leads to an increased risk of venous and/or arterial thrombosis. Only a few small studies have investigated this association but due to methodological limitations it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions at this stage. Here we report two patients with severe venous thromboembolism (VTE) and concomitant hyperthyroidism without any risk factors for VTE. Hereby, we emphasise a possible association as supported by a number of previous studies. In a planned prospective multicentre cohort study we will examine the association between hyperthyroidism and VTE and determine its clinical relevance.

The effect of levothyroxine on expression of inflammation-related genes in healthy subjects: a controlled randomized crossover study.

An excess of thyroid hormone leads to a prothrombotic state; however, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. As evidence points towards an extensive "cross-talk" between the inflammatory and coagulation cascade, inflammation has been claimed as a possible mechanism through which different risk factors trigger venous thrombus formation. We aimed to study changes in expression of inflammation-related genes of the leukocyte RNA expression profile in healthy subjects in response to supraphysiological doses of levothyroxine. In a randomized single-blinded crossover design, 12 healthy volunteers (aged 18-40 years) received levothyroxine and no medication, both for 14 days with a wash-out period of at least 28 days between the periods. Blood was sampled at baseline and day 14 of each study period. MRNA was isolated from whole blood and used for multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to study the expression of inflammation-related genes. Compared to the control situation no significant changes were found in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators after the intake of levothyroxine. The results of this study show that high thyroid hormone levels do not lead to an altered inflammatory profile. This provides evidence against a major role of the inflammatory system as mediator in the effect of thyroid hormone on the coagulation system. The mechanisms by which thyroid hormone may influence coagulation proteins remain to be elucidated.

High levels of procoagulant factors mediate the association between free thyroxine and the risk of venous thrombosis: the MEGA study.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormone affects the coagulation system, but its effect on clinical disease is not clear. We determined the associations of levels of free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (antiTPO) with levels of coagulation factors and the risk of venous thrombosis. METHODS: In a large population based case-control study (Multiple Environmental and Genetic Assessment of risk factors for venous thrombosis study) on the etiology of venous thrombosis, we determined the levels of FT4, TSH, antiTPO, factor FII, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, von Willebrand factor (VWF), antithrombin, protein C, protein S and fibrinogen in 2177 cases and 2826 controls. RESULTS: High levels of FT4 were associated with increased concentrations of procoagulant factors, and not with levels of anticoagulant factors. High levels of FT4 were also associated with the risk of venous thrombosis, up to an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-4.6) for levels above 24.4 pm relative to FT4 levels between 15.5 and 18.9 pm. In 11 cases and one control, clinical hyperthyroidism had been diagnosed within a year of the thrombotic event, leading to an OR of 17.0 (95% CI 2.2-133.0) for thrombosis. The ORs approached unity after adjustment for FVIII and VWF, which suggests that the effect was mediated by these factors. Low TSH levels were also, but less evidently, associated with thrombosis, whereas there was no association between antiTPO and venous thrombosis risk. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of FT4 increase the concentrations of the procoagulant proteins FVIII, FIX, fibrinogen, and VWF, and by this mechanism increase the risk of venous thrombosis.

The impact of surgical complications as a main risk factor for venous thromboembolism: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that postoperative complications are a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after bariatric surgery. Knowledge of factors associated with a higher risk of VTE after bariatric surgery may be essential to select patients who may benefit from either prolonged or intensified thrombosis prophylaxis. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between postoperative complications and VTE after bariatric surgery and other classical risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter case-control study was performed in patients who had bariatric surgery between January 2008 and September 2011. VTE until 6 months after surgery was registered, and patients were contacted to ascertain the results. For every case of VTE after surgery, 6 control patients were selected who were matched for gender, age, participating center and type of surgery. Risk factors for VTE before and after surgery and postoperative complications were registered. RESULTS: A total of 2,064 surgeries were included. In 12 patients, VTE occurred within 6 months after bariatric surgery (incidence 0.58 %, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.25-0.93). There was a strong association of complications after surgery (cases 91.7 %, controls 15.3 %, odds ratio (OR) 61.0; 95 % CI = 7.1-521.3) or intensive care admission (cases 50.0 %, controls 11.1 %, OR = 8.0; 95 % CI = 2.1-30.8) with VTE. The majority of postoperative complications were anastomotic leak, abdominal abscess, and infection. We could not detect an association between classical thrombosis risk factors and postoperative VTE. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VTE is low after bariatric surgery using thrombosis prophylaxis. However, there is a strong association between postoperative complications and VTE. These patients may benefit from more intensive thrombosis prophylaxis.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in patients with overt hypothyroidism: a prospective cohort study.

Numerous case reports have been published on acquired von Willebrand syndrome (aVWS) in patients with hypothyroidism, but no prospective studies have been published. The aim of this study was to investigate laboratory and clinical characteristics of aVWS in patients with newly diagnosed overt hypothyroidism. An observational cohort study was performed between May 2007 and February 2012. Consecutive hypothyroid patients before or within the first 48 h of replacement therapy were enrolled. At inclusion, blood was sampled for coagulation tests and bleeding history was documented by means of a standardized bleeding questionnaire. Repeat samples were obtained after restoration of euthyroidism. The prevalence of aVWS, defined as von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) ≤50% and/or VWF ristocetin activity (VWF:RCo) ≤50%, was calculated. Patients with aVWS were subsequently divided into severe (VWF:Ag and/or VWF:RCo ≤10%), moderate (VWF:Ag and/or VWF:RCo between 10 and 30%) or mild (VWF:Ag and/or VWF:RCo between 30 and 50%). A total of 90 patients were included among whom a prevalence of aVWS of 33% was found. There were no patients with severe aVWS. Eight patients (9%) had moderate aVWS and 21 (23%) had mild aVWS. Bleeding score was negatively correlated with both VWF:Ag (ß -0.32, P = 0.03) and VWF:RCo (ß -0.32, P = 0.02). After restoration of euthyroidism, VWF:Ag had significantly increased by 44%, VWF:RCo by 36%, factor VIII by 39%, and endogenous thrombin potential by 10%. aVWS has a high prevalence in hypothyroid patients. Highest bleeding scores in patients with lower VWF levels suggest clinical relevance.

Ethnicity influences weight loss 1 year after bariatric surgery: a study in Turkish, Moroccan, South Asian, African and ethnic Dutch patients.

Several studies conducted in the USA have demonstrated that the effectiveness of bariatric surgery differs between patients from African and European origin. However, little is known on differences in outcomes after bariatric surgery between individuals from other ethnic backgrounds. In this retrospective study, we found that, in terms of weight loss, gastric bypass surgery is less effective in African, South Asian, Turkish and Moroccan patients than in their ethnic Dutch counterparts. Our results underscore that ethnic differences in the effectiveness of bariatric surgery are not limited to those between patients of African and European origin, but extend to other minority groups as well. Therefore, it is important that prospective studies both determine ethnic differences in weight loss-related improvement of co-morbidities and elucidate the exact reasons for these ethnic disparities.