Obesity paradox: is a high body mass index positively influencing survival outcomes in gynecological cancers? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity represents an exponentially growing preventable disease leading to different health complications, particularly when associated with cancer. In recent years, however, an 'obesity paradox' has been hypothesized where obese individuals affected by cancer counterintuitively show better survival rates. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess whether the prognosis in gynecological malignancies is positively influenced by obesity. METHODS: This study adheres to PRISMA guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO. Studies reporting the impact of a body mass index (BMI) of >30 kg/m2 compared with <30 kg/m2 in patients with gynecological cancers listed in PubMed, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov were included in the analysis. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool (QUADAS-2) was used for quality assessment of the selected articles. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were identified for the meta-analysis, including 14 108 patients with cervical, ovarian, or endometrial cancer. There was no benefit in 5-year overall survival for obese patients compared with non-obese patients (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.44, p=0.05; I2=71%). When pooling for cancer sub-groups, there were no statistically significant differences in 5-year overall survival in patients with cervical cancer and 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer. For obese women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, a significant decrease of 44% in 5-year overall survival (p=0.01) was found, with no significant difference in 5-year disease-free survival (p=0.78). CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present meta-analysis, a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 does not have a positive prognostic effect on survival compared with a BMI of <30 kg/m2 in women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. The existence of the 'obesity paradox' in other fields, however, suggests the importance of further investigations with prospective studies.

Impact of electronic medical record utilization on obesity screening and intervention for obese patients with endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of obesity documented within the electronic medical record problem list. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with obesity and endometrial cancer receiving care from January 2018 to March 2021 at a single institution. Obesity intervention was defined as receipt of at least one of the following: referral to weight loss clinic, referral to a nutritionist, completion of obesity intervention tab, or documentation of weight loss counseling. Our secondary objectives were to (1) identify the prevalence of completed obesity interventions, (2) identify the number of patients who have achieved weight loss since their initial visit, and (3) identify covariates associated with presence of obesity on problem list, completion of obesity interventions, and weight loss. RESULTS: We identified 372 patients who met inclusion criteria. Of eligible patients, 202 (54%) had obesity documented on their problem list and 171 (46%) completed at least one obesity intervention. Within our cohort, 195 (52%) patients achieved weight loss from diagnosis or initial clinical encounter at our institution to most recent clinical encounter with median weight loss of 3.9 kg (IQR 1.5-8.0). In the multivariable logistic regressions, patients with obesity on the problem list were approximately twice as likely to have completion of obesity intervention (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.09, 3.35, p=0.024). Although presence of obesity on the problem list was not associated with weight loss, completion of health maintenance obesity intervention tab in the electronic medical record (Epic) was associated with weight loss (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.11, 6.89, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Only half of obese endometrial cancer patients had documentation of obesity within the electronic medical record problem list. The electronic medical record could be leveraged to achieve compliance with weight loss interventions. Further investigation on how the electronic medical record can be optimized to help patients achieve weight loss is needed.

The Results of Rigid Titanium Plate Reinforcement and Only Conventional Wire Methods in Sternal Fixation in Morbidly Obese Patients.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, it was aimed to compare the clinical results and complications of rigid titanium plate reinforcement and only conventional wire methods for sternum fixation in morbidly obese patients who underwent sternotomy for open-heart surgery. METHODS: The study was planned as a retrospective case-control study. Morbidly obese patients who underwent open-heart surgery with median sternotomy between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of characteristics of the patients (P≥0.05). Sternal dehiscence, sternum revision, wound drainage, and mediastinitis were significantly less common in the titanium plate group (P≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of 30-day mortality (P≥0.05). CONCLUSION: Rigid titanium plate reinforcement application produced more positive clinical results than only conventional wire application. In addition, it was determined that although the rigid titanium plate application prolonged the operation time, it did not make a significant difference in terms of mortality and morbidity compared to the conventional wire applied group.

Adherence to ESGO guidelines and impact on survival in obese patients with endometrial cancer: a multicentric retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is known to be both a major risk factor for endometrial cancer and associated with surgical complexity. Therefore, the management of patients with obesity is a challenge for surgeons and oncologists. The aim of this study is to assess the adherence to European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) guidelines in morbidly obese patients (body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m2). The secondary objectives were the impact on overall survival and recurrence-free survival. METHODS: All the patients who were treated for an endometrial cancer in the 11 cancer institutes of the FRANCOGYN group were included and classified into three weight groups: morbid (BMI >40 kg/m2), obese (BMI 30-40), and normal or overweight (BMI <30). Adherence to guidelines was evaluated for surgical management, lymph node staging, and adjuvant therapies. RESULTS: In total, 2375 patients were included: 1330 in the normal or overweight group, 763 in the obese group, and 282 in the morbid group. The surgical management of the morbid group was in accordance with the guidelines in only 30% of cases, compared with 44% for the obese group and 48% for the normal or overweight group (p<0.001); this was largely because of a lack of lymph node staging. Morbid group patients were more likely to receive the recommended adjuvant therapy (61%) than the obese group (52%) or the normal or overweight group (46%) (p<0.001). Weight had no impact on overall survival (p=0.6) and morbid group patients had better recurrence-free survival (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Adherence to international guidelines for surgical management is significantly lower in morbid group patients, especially for lymph node staging. However, morbidly obese patients had more often the adequate adjuvant therapies. Morbid group patients had a better recurrence-free survival likely because of better prognosis tumors.

Effect Of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy On Vitamin D, Parathormone Hormone, And Serum Calcium Levels.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on vitamin D status, parathyroid hormone,serum calcium and the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation. Method: The prospective study was conducted at the General Surgery Department of Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, in November 2019, and comprised morbidly obese patients of either gender who were managed with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Serum levels of vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after the surgery. All subjects were given 400 IU/day of vitamin D. If the level of vitamin D was <30ng/ml, further doses of calcifediol 200,000 IU were added every two weeks. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 28(70%) were females and 12(30%) were males. The overall mean age was 33.9±10.8, mean weight was 136±18.29kg and mean body massindex was 50±4.9kg/m2 . The mean operative time was 64.5±13.6 minutes, and the mean hospitalstay was 1.8±1.1 days. There wassignificant reduction in body massindex values after the surgery (p<0.05). Vitamin D level was 19.2±3.2 ng/ml at baseline, which rose to 21.4±2.7 ng/ml at 6 months and 26.6±2.8 ng/ml at 12 months post-surgery (p<0.05). Preoperative parathyroid hormone level was 58.3±7.8 pg/ml , which went down to 48.6±7.4 pg/ml at 6 months, and 41.3±6.5 pg/ml at 12 months postoperatively (p<0.05). The mean serum calcium level at baseline was 9±0.4mg/dL, which rose to 9.2 ±0.3mg/dL and 9.5±0.4 mg/dL at 6 and 12 months post-surgery (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low vitamin D complications could be decreased postoperatively by administering vitamin D as a routine treatment. Postoperative monitoring of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and serum calcium levels is essential.

Context-dependent environmental associations with endometrial cancer histotype and genotype.

OBJECTIVE: MLH1 loss due to MLH1 methylation, detected during Lynch syndrome screening, is one of the most common molecular changes in endometrial cancer. It is well established that environmental influences such as nutritional state can impact gene methylation, both in the germline and in a tumor. In colorectal cancer and other cancer types, aging is associated with changes in gene methylation. The objective of this study was to determine if there was an association between aging or body mass index on MLH1 methylation in sporadic endometrial cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with endometrial cancer was performed. Tumors were screened for Lynch syndrome via immunohistochemistry, with MLH1 methylation analysis performed when there was loss of MLH1 expression. Clinical information was abstracted from the medical record. RESULTS: There were 114 patients with mismatch repair deficient tumors associated with MLH1 methylation, and 349 with mismatch repair proficient tumors. Patients with mismatch repair deficient tumors were older than those whose tumors were proficient. Mismatch repair deficient tumors had a higher incidence of lymphatic/vascular space invasion. When stratified by endometrioid grade, associations with body mass index and age became apparent. Patients with endometrioid grades 1 and 2 tumors and somatic mismatch repair deficiency were significantly older, but body mass index was comparable with that of the mismatch repair intact group. For endometrioid grade 3, patient age did not significantly vary between the somatic mismatch repair deficient group and the mismatch repair intact group. In contrast, body mass index was significantly higher in the patients with grade 3 tumors with somatic mismatch repair deficiency. CONCLUSION: The relationship of MLH1 methylated endometrial cancer with age and body mass index is complex and somewhat dependent on tumor grade. As body mass index is modifiable, it is possible that weight loss induces a 'molecular switch' to alter the histologic characteristics of an endometrial cancer.

Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Protein Levels in Sperm of Obese Men with and without Diabetes; Cellular Approach in Male Infertility.

OBJECTIVE: Although the role of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) in male infertility is well established, little information about the underlying cellular mechanisms in infertility is available. In this sense, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) has been recognized as an important regulator in obesity and DM; However, its function in the pathogenesis of male infertility has never been studied in obese or men who suffer from diabetes. Therefore, the main goal of current research is assessing NF-kB existence and activity in ejaculated human spermatozoa considering the obesity and diabetics condition of males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an experimental study, the ELISA technique was applied to analyze NF-kB levels in sperm of four experimental groups: non-obese none-diabetic men (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2; control group; n=30), obese non-diabetic men (BMI >30 kg/m2; OB group; n=30), non-obese diabetic men (BMI <25 kg/m2; DM group; n=30), and obese diabetic men (BMI >30 kg/m2; OB-DM group; n=30) who were presented to Royan Institute Infertility Center. In addition, protein localization was shown by Immunocytofluorescent assay. Sperm features were also evaluated using CASA. RESULTS: The diabetic men were older than non-diabetic men regardless of obesity status (P=0.0002). Sperm progressive motility was affected by obesity (P=0.035) and type A sperm progressive motility was affected by DM (P=0.034). The concentration of sperm (P=0.013), motility (P=0.025) and morphology (P<0.0001) were altered by obesity × diabetes interaction effects. The NF-kB activity was negatively influenced by the main impact of diabetics (P=0.019). Obesity did not affect (P=0.248) NF-kB activity. Uniquely, NF-kB localized to the midpiece of sperm and post-acrosomal areas. CONCLUSION: The current study indicated a lower concentration of NF-kB in diabetic men, no effect of obesity on NF-kB was observed yet. Additionally, we revealed the main obesity and diabetes effects, and their interaction effect adversely influenced sperm characteristics.

Association of Body Mass Index and Fracture Risk Varied by Affected Bones in Patients with Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for the type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and T2DM accompanies various complications, such as fractures. We investigated the effects of BMI and T2DM on fracture risk and analyzed whether the association varied with fracture locations. METHODS: This study is a nationwide population-based cohort study that included all people with T2DM (n=2,746,078) who received the National Screening Program during 2009-2012. According to the anatomical location of the fracture, the incidence rate and hazard ratio (HR) were analyzed by dividing it into four categories: vertebra, hip, limbs, and total fracture. RESULTS: The total fracture had higher HR in the underweight group (HR, 1.268; 95% CI, 1.228 to 1.309) and lower HR in the obese group (HR, 0.891; 95% CI, 0.882 to 0.901) and the morbidly obese group (HR, 0.873; 95% CI, 0.857 to 0.89), compared to reference (normal BMI group). Similar trends were observed for HR of vertebra fracture. The risk of hip fracture was most prominent, the risk of hip fracture increased in the underweight group (HR, 1.896; 95% CI, 1.178 to 2.021) and decreased in the obesity (HR, 0.643; 95% CI, 0.624 to 0.663) and morbidly obesity group (HR, 0.627; 95% CI, 0.591 to 0.665). Lastly, fracture risk was least affected by BMI for limbs. CONCLUSION: In T2DM patients, underweight tends to increase fracture risk, and overweight tends to lower fracture risk, but association between BMI and fracture risk varied depending on the affected bone lesions.

Residual gastric volume in morbidly obese diabetics after an overnight fasting or 3 hours of a carbohydrate-enriched supplement: a randomized crossover pilot study / Volume gástrico residual em diabéticos obesos mórbidos após jejum noturno ou 3 horas de suplemento enriquecido com carboidratos: um estudo piloto cruzado randomizado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: To reduce the risk of regurgitation during anesthesia for elective procedures, residual gastric volumes (RGV) have traditionally been minimized by overnight fasting. Prolonged preoperative fasting presents some adverse consequences and has been abandoned for most surgical procedures, except for obese and/or diabetic patients. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the RGV in morbidly obese diabetic patients after traditional or abbreviated fasting. METHODS: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Research with Human Beings from the Federal University of Mato Grosso, under number 179.017/2012. This is a prospective, randomized, and crossover design study in eight morbidly obese type II diabetic patients. RGV was measured endoscopically after either traditional overnight fasting of at least 8 hours, or after abbreviated fasting of 6 hours for solids and 3 hours for a drink containing water plus 25 g (12.5%) of maltodextrin. Data were expressed as mean and range and differences were compared with paired t-tests at p<0.05. RESULTS: The study population had a mean age of 41.5 years (28-53), weight of 135 kg (113-196), body mass index of 48.2 kg/m2 (40-62.4), and type II diabetes for 4.5 years (1-10). The RGV after abbreviated fasting was 21.5 ml (5-40) vs 26.3 ml (7-65) after traditional fasting. This difference was not significant (p=0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric emptying in morbidly obese diabetic patients is similar after either traditional or abbreviated fasting with a carbohydrate drink.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Para reduzir o risco de regurgitação durante a anestesia para procedimentos eletivos, os volumes gástricos residuais (VRG) têm sido tradicionalmente minimizados com jejum noturno. O jejum pré-operatório prolongado tem algumas consequências adversas e tem sido abandonado para a maioria dos procedimentos cirúrgicos, com exceção de pacientes obesos e/ou diabéticos. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o VRG em pacientes diabéticos obesos mórbidos após jejum tradicional ou abreviado. MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, sob o número 179.017/2012. Este é um projeto prospectivo, randomizado e cruzado em 8 pacientes diabéticos tipo II com obesidade mórbida. O VRG foi medido endoscopicamente após jejum noturno tradicional (pelo menos 8 horas) ou após jejum abreviado (6 horas para sólidos e 3 horas para uma bebida contendo água mais 25 g (12,5%) de maltodextrina). Os dados são expressos como média e variação e as diferenças foram comparadas com testes t pareados em p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A população estudada tinha 41,5 (28-53) anos de idade, peso médio de 135 (113-196) kg, índice de massa corporal (IMC) de 48,2 (40-62,4) kg/m2 e diabetes tipo II de 4,5 (1-10) anos. O VRG após o jejum abreviado foi de 21,5 (5-40) ml versus 26,3 (7-65) ml após o jejum tradicional. Essa diferença não foi significativa (p=0,82). CONCLUSÕES: O esvaziamento gástrico em pacientes diabéticos obesos mórbidos é semelhante após jejum tradicional ou abreviado com uma bebida com carboidrato.

The Results of Rigid Titanium Plate Reinforcement and Only Conventional Wire Methods in Sternal Fixation in Morbidly Obese Patients

ABSTRACT Introduction: In this study, it was aimed to compare the clinical results and complications of rigid titanium plate reinforcement and only conventional wire methods for sternum fixation in morbidly obese patients who underwent sternotomy for open-heart surgery. Methods: The study was planned as a retrospective case-control study. Morbidly obese patients who underwent open-heart surgery with median sternotomy between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of characteristics of the patients (P≥0.05). Sternal dehiscence, sternum revision, wound drainage, and mediastinitis were significantly less common in the titanium plate group (P≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of 30-day mortality (P≥0.05). Conclusion: Rigid titanium plate reinforcement application produced more positive clinical results than only conventional wire application. In addition, it was determined that although the rigid titanium plate application prolonged the operation time, it did not make a significant difference in terms of mortality and morbidity compared to the conventional wire applied group.

Validity of the brazilian-portuguese version of moorehead-ardelt quality of life questionnaire ii among patients with severe obesity / Validade da versão em português-brasileiro do questionário moorehead-ardelt quality of life-ii em pacientes com obesidade grave

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Patients with obesity present multiple comorbid psychiatric conditions and experience impairments in health-related quality of life. Reliable and valid tools that evaluate health-related quality of life are essential for clinical practice. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the six-item Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II among Brazilian patients with severe obesity. METHODS: We assessed 387 patients (mean age 43 years, 78.8% women, mean body mass index of 46.5 kg/m²) on the waiting list of a bariatric surgery center. Trained research assistants concurrently applied the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and the Global Assessment of Functioning for assessing health-related quality of life, comorbid depressive symptoms, and patient functioning level, respectively. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II was considered acceptable. The total score was correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms and functioning level. The more body mass index increases, the more health-related quality of life worsens. The Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II presented a unidimensional structure. CONCLUSIONS: The unidimensional Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II is a reliable and valid measure for evaluating health-related quality of life in Brazilian patients with severe obesity. The questionnaire allows to quickly assess the health-related quality of life of patients in different bariatric contexts, considering depression and functional level.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Pacientes com obesidade apresentam múltiplas condições psiquiátricas comórbidas e experienciam prejuízos na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Ferramentas confiáveis e válidas que avaliam a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde são essenciais para a prática clínica. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a confiabilidade e validade do Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II de seis itens entre pacientes com obesidade grave. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 387 pacientes (idade média de 43 anos, 78,8% mulheres, índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio de 46,5 kg/m², na lista de espera de um centro cirurgia bariátrica. Assistentes de pesquisa treinados aplicaram simultaneamente o Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II, a Escala de Depressão de Montgomery-Åsberg e a Avaliação Global do Funcionamento para avaliar, respectivamente, a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, os sintomas depressivos comórbidos e o nível funcional do paciente. RESULTADOS: A consistência interna do Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II foi considerada aceitável. A pontuação total do Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II foi correlacionada com a gravidade dos sintomas depressivos e nível funcional. Quanto maior o IMC, menor a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. O Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II apresentou uma estrutura unidimensional. CONCLUSÕES: O questionário Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life-II unidimensional é confiável e válido na avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em pacientes brasileiros com obesidade grave. O questionário permite avaliar rapidamente a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos pacientes em diferentes contextos, considerando depressão e nível funcional.

Laparoscopic and laparotomy bariatric surgery in a public hospital in brazil: are there differences in costs and complications? / Cirurgia bariátrica laparoscópica e convencional em hospital público no brasil: há diferenças nos custos e complicações?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Despite its increasing popularity, laparoscopy is not the option for bariatric surgeries performed in the Brazilian public health system. AIMS: To compare laparotomy and laparoscopic access in bariatric surgery, considering aspects such as morbidity, mortality, costs, and length of stay. METHODS: The study included 80 patients who were randomly assigned to perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. They were equally divided in two groups, laparoscopic and laparotomy. The results obtained in the postoperative period were evaluated and compared according to the Ministry of Health protocol, and later, in their outpatient returns. RESULTS: The surgical time was similar in both groups (p=0.240). The costs of laparoscopic surgery proved to be higher, mainly due to staplers and staples. The patients included in the laparotomy group presented higher rates of severe complications, such as incisional hernia (p<0.001). Costs related to social security and management of postoperative complications were higher in the open surgery group (R$ 1,876.00 vs R$ 34,268.91). CONCLUSIONS: The costs related to social security and treatment of complications were substantially lower in laparoscopic access when compared to laparotomy. However, considering the operative procedure itself, the laparotomy remained cheaper. Finally, the length of stay, the rate of complications, and return to labor had more favorable results in the laparoscopic route.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Apesar de sua crescente popularidade, a laparoscopia não é a via de acesso em cirurgias bariátricas realizadas no sistema público de saúde brasileiro. OBJETIVOS: Comparar os acessos laparoscópico e laparotômico em cirurgia bariátrica, considerando aspectos como morbidade, mortalidade, custos e tempo de hospitalização. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 80 pacientes candidatos a by-pass gástrico em Y-de-Roux, aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a via de acesso. Os resultados obtidos no período pós-operatório foram avaliados e comparados de acordo com o protocolo do Ministério da Saúde, e posteriormente, em seus retornos ambulatoriais. RESULTADOS: O tempo cirúrgico foi semelhante em ambos os grupos (p=0.240). Os custos da cirurgia laparoscópica foram maiores, principalmente devido aos grampeadores e cargas. Contudo, os pacientes designados à via aberta apresentaram maior índice de complicações graves, como hérnia incisional (p<0.001). Desta forma, os custos com o tratamento das complicações e com o seguro social foram maiores neste grupo (R$ 1,876.00 vs R$ 34,268.91). CONCLUSÃO: Os gastos relacionados ao seguro social e ao tratamento de complicações foram substancialmente menores na cirurgia laparoscópica quando comparada à cirurgia aberta. Entretanto, considerando o procedimento operatório em si, a via aberta foi a mais acessível financeiramente. Por fim, o tempo de hospitalização, a taxa de complicações e o tempo de retorno ao trabalho tiveram resultados mais favoráveis na via laparoscópica.

Therapeutic effects of Tiaojing Xiaozhi Decoction combined with auricular acupoint embedding acupuncture on polycystic ovary syndrome in 40 obese cases / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of Tiaojing Xiaozhi Decoction combined with auricular acupoint embedding acupuncture on polycystic ovary syndrome in obese patients. Methods:A total of 120 obese cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome) treated in Ningbo Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2020 to June 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to undergo treatment with either Tiaojing Xiaozhi Decoction (Chinese medicine group, n = 40), auricular acupoint embedding acupuncture (ear acupuncture group, n = 40), or Tiaojing Xiaozhi Decoction and auricular acupoint embedding acupuncture (combined therapy group, n = 40). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome integral, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist- to-hip ratio, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, prolactin, recombinant human leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, and clinical efficacy were compared among groups before and after treatment. Results:Total response rate in the combined therapy group was 87.5%, which was slightly but not significantly, higher than 77.5% in the Chinese medicine group and 80.0% in the ear acupuncture group, and there was no significant difference in total response rate among the three groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, TCM syndrome integral in the combined therapy was (10.40 ± 2.38) points, which was significantly lower than (12.35 ± 3.32) points in the Chinese medicine group and (14.18 ± 3.51) points in the ear acupuncture group ( F = 14.78, P < 0.05). The body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio in the combined therapy group were superior to those in the Chinese medicine and ear acupuncture groups ( F = 4.11, 18.59, 3.62, 13.33, all P < 0.05). Luteinizing hormone and luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone in the combined therapy group were superior to those in the Chinese medicine and ear acupuncture groups (all P < 0.05). After treatment, recombinant human leptin and adiponectin in the combined therapy and Chinese medicine groups were superior to those measured before treatment (both P < 0.05). After treatment, only adiponectin was significantly increased in the early acupuncture group compared with before treatment ( P < 0.05). After treatment, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 in the combined therapy group were (4.12 ± 1.54) μg/L and (3.09 ± 1.41) ng/L respectively, which were significantly decreased compared with before treatment ( t = 21.66, 10.42, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Tiaojing Xiaozhi Decoction combined with auricular acupoint embedding acupuncture can decrease body mass index, fat factor, and inflammatory factor levels, which can help decrease sex hormone levels and TCM syndrome integral, and has an obvious therapeutic effect on polycystic ovary syndrome.

Long-term evaluation of patients with BMI = 50kg/m2 who underwent Bariatric Surgery / Avaliação no longo prazo de pacientes submetidos à Cirurgia Bariátrica com IMC = 50kg/m2

ABSTRACT Purpose: to determine the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery in patients with super obesity (SO) in comparison with obesity grades II and III. Methods: retrospective cohort that included a study group of 178 patients with SO and a control group of 181 patients with BMI 35-49.9Kg/m2. The groups were formed in a 1:1 nearest neighbor matching. The main variables were pre- and postoperative BMI and comorbidities, occurrence of severe postoperative complications, bowel obstruction, marginal ulcer, fistulae and 30-day death, besides the necessity of emergency room (ER) admission and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans in the postoperative period due to acute abdomen. Results: the study group comprised 74.0% of women while the control group had 56.7%. The mean follow-up time was similar between both groups (5.48 x 6.09 years, p=0.216). There was no statistically significant difference on the prevalence of hypertension and T2D between the groups according to the surgical technique. All deaths occurred in the Study group (BMI = 50kg/m2) who underwent RYGB. There was no difference between the groups regarding the occurrence of severe complications. Data on ER admissions and the need for abdominal CT to investigate postoperative abdominal pain did not show statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: despite the high risk related to bariatric surgery in patients with SO, the benefits related to the remission of comorbidities are significant; although being lower than those found in patients with milder grades of obesity.

RESUMO Objetivo: determinar os riscos e benefícios da cirurgia bariátrica em pacientes com superobesidade em comparação com obesidade graus II e III. Métodos: coorte retrospectiva que incluiu um grupo Estudo com 178 pacientes portadores de superobesidade e um controle com 181 pacientes com IMC 35-49.9Kg/m2. Os grupos foram formados numa razão 1:1 com pareamento "vizinho próximo". As principais variáveis foram comorbidades e IMC pré e pós-operatório, ocorrência de complicações pós-operatórias severas, obstrução intestinal, úlcera marginal, fístula e morte em 30 dias, além da necessidade de idas à emergência e realização de tomografia computadorizada (CT) para investigação de abdome agudo. Resultados: o grupo Estudo foi composto por 74.0% de mulheres, enquanto o Controle teve apenas 56.7%. O tempo médio de seguimento foi similar em ambos os grupos (5.48 x 6.09 anos, p=0.216). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação à prevalência de diabetes entre os grupos nem entre a técnica cirúrgica empregada. Todos os óbitos ocorreram no grupo Estudo (IMC = 50kg/m2), com apenas pacientes submetidos ao BGYR. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à ocorrência de complicações pós-operatórias. Ao avaliar idas à emergência e necessidade de TC para investigar dor abdominal, também não foi observada difrença significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão: apesar do alto risco cirúrgico implicado em pacientes portadores de superobesidade, os benefícios relacionados à remissão de comorbidades ainda são significativos; contudo os resultados parecem ser inferiores aos pacientes com graus mais leves de obesidade.

Metabolic Surgery in Korea.

Metabolic surgery (MS) is a surgery that focuses on improving obesity-related comorbidities. It is often referred to as "diabetic surgery" because of its focus on treating type 2 diabetes. MS is distinguished from bariatric surgery (BS), in which weight loss is the primary goal. However, from a broader perspective, all surgeries for obese patients with diabetes can be considered MS. In Korea, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been covered by the national health insurance since 2019. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 or those with a BMI ≥30 and obesity-related comorbidities were eligible for MBS. Simultaneously, MS for patients with BMI values between 27.5 and 30 was partly reimbursed. The two major metabolic surgeries are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). According to the registry of the Korean Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 1,560 metabolic surgeries for obese patients with diabetes were performed between 2019 and 2021 in Korea, which was approximately 35.6% of all bariatric surgeries. SG was the most common, followed by RYGB and duodenal switch surgery. When dividing the patients with diabetes who underwent MBS into two groups, specifically those with BMI <35 and ≥35, we found that SG was performed most common procedure in both groups. However, there was a higher proportion of RYGB and duodenal switch operation in the former, indicating a difference in surgical methods between the two groups. MS is a promising tool for the management of poorly controlled diabetes. More data are needed to establish proper patient selection and choice of surgical type.

Complexities and complications of extreme obesity.

Obesity is a common chronic disorder and has detrimental long-term consequences if left untreated. Herein, we report a case of a young lady who suffered from morbid obesity and many of its consequences, and we present a literature review of these complications. While the cause of obesity is multifactorial, the genetic component is particularly important in the pathophysiology of marked obesity. Resistance to Leptin is considered one of the main causes of obesity. There is a unique relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity, as observed in our case. Obesity is associated with cardiovascular and lung diseases such as heart failure, thromboembolic disease, sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension. Our patient had cardiomegaly (730 gm) with eccentric hypertrophy of left and right ventricles. The coronary arteries and aorta were free of atherosclerosis, which is a surprising finding that relates to the mysterious phenomenon of obesity paradox. The terminal event in our young woman was multiple segmental and subsegmental pulmonary arterial thrombi/thromboemboli superimposed on chronic cardiopulmonary stress due to massive obesity.

Efficacy of empagliflozin for weight and glycemic control of a patient with Prader-Willi syndrome, systemic lymphedema and extreme obesity: a case report.

A patient with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), extreme obesity and hyperglycemia had her body weight increased considerably for 6 months, even with exercise and diet programs. Treatment with metformin and empagliflozin (12.5 mg/day) induced a weight loss of 14 kg (-10.3%) for 6 months and the reduction of glycated hemoglobin A1c.