Assessment of cancer-related fatigue among Jordanian patients: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is considered to be one of the most common symptoms reported by cancer patients. However, little information is available regarding the variables associated with CRF among Jordanian patients. AIMS: To assess the prevalence of CRF and explore its predictors among Jordanian patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used. FINDINGS: Of the 240 patients surveyed, 210 (87.5%) had fatigue at the time of the survey. The total mean fatigue score was 6.2 (SD=1.7) out of a maximum possible score of 10. The results also showed that being unemployed, with longer hospitalisation, low haemoglobin, and having lung cancer seem to predict higher levels of CRF. CONCLUSION: Several variables and factors associated with CRF were identified. In response to these results, healthcare providers should pay more attention to CRF, which needs to be assessed on a regular basis and to be managed with the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Role of gastric bypass surgery in control of blood sugar in obese uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND AND GOAL: The pandemic of the twenty-first century is diabetes. Both type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity pose severe problems for public health. Despite significant improvements in diagnosing and managing both conditions, diabetes mellitus remains poorly controlled, and diabetic complications are more common than ever. Internists have discovered over the past 20 years that obese people with type 2 diabetes who have gastric bypass surgery to shed weight have improved glycemic control. Thus, interventional diabetology has a growing significance in patients' ability to reverse type 2 diabetes mellitus. We want to evaluate the impact of gastric bypass on blood sugar regulation and look for potential causes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2018 and 2020, a prospective interventional study was carried out. Ninety patients in total were enrolled in the trial. The two patient groups (A and B) contained 45 obese T2DM patients with a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 kg/m2. Group B received its antidiabetic medications, either oral hypoglycemic or insulin, while Group A underwent gastric bypass surgery. Each patient underwent a comprehensive history review and clinical assessment. Both groups had their HA1c and blood sugar levels measured; group A had their insulin, GLP-1, and HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) levels calculated at time O and one year later. RESULTS: The demographic differences between the two study groups were negligible. After a one-year follow-up, group A had significantly lower anthropometric measurement data for BMI and waist circumference (cm), lipid profile data for triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c, two metrics of glucose metabolism, significantly decreased in group A. Regarding indicators of glucose metabolism, there was a drop in fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR and an increase in GLP1 level in the gastric bypass group. CONCLUSION: As a result of improving all indicators, gastric bypass is an effective treatment for patients with uncontrolled T2DM. Future research that is confirmed is needed.

Weight loss, cardiovascular risk factors, and quality of life after gastric bypass and duodenal switch: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Gastric bypass and duodenal switch are currently performed bariatric surgical procedures. Uncontrolled studies suggest that duodenal switch induces greater weight loss than gastric bypass. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether duodenal switch leads to greater weight loss and more favorable improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life than gastric bypass. DESIGN: Randomized, parallel-group trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00327912) SETTING: 2 academic medical centers (1 in Norway and 1 in Sweden). PATIENTS: 60 participants with a body mass index (BMI) between 50 and 60 kg/m(2). INTERVENTION: Gastric bypass (n = 31) or duodenal switch (n = 29). MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the change in BMI after 2 years. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measures; concentrations of blood lipids, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, and vitamins; and health-related quality of life and adverse events. RESULTS: Fifty-eight of 60 participants (97%) completed the study. The mean reductions in BMI were 17.3 kg/m(2) (95% CI, 15.7 to 19.0 kg/m(2)) after gastric bypass and 24.8 kg/m(2) (CI, 23.0 to 26.5 kg/m(2)) after duodenal switch (mean between-group difference, 7.44 kg/m(2) [CI, 5.24 to 9.64 kg/m(2)]; P < 0.001). Total cholesterol concentration decreased by 0.24 mmol/L (CI, -0.03 to 0.50 mmol/L) (9.27 mg/dL [CI, -1.16 to 19.3 mg/dL]) after gastric bypass and 1.07 mmol/L (CI, 0.79 to 1.35 mmol/L) (41.3 mg/dL [CI, 30.5 to 52.1 mg/dL]) after duodenal switch (mean between-group difference, 0.83 mmol/L [CI, 0.48 to 1.18 mmol/L]; 32.0 mg/dL [CI, 18.5 to 45.6 mg/dL]; P ≤ 0.001). Reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, anthropometric measures, fat mass, and fat-free mass were also greater after duodenal switch (P ≤ 0.010 for each between-group comparison). Both groups had reductions in blood pressure and mean concentrations of glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein, with no between-group differences. The duodenal switch group, but not the gastric bypass group, had reductions in concentrations of vitamin A and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Most Short Form-36 Health Survey dimensional scores improved in both groups, with greater improvement in 1 of 8 domains (bodily pain) after gastric bypass. From surgery until 2 years, 10 participants (32%) had adverse events after gastric bypass and 18 (62%) after duodenal switch (P = 0.021). Adverse events related to malnutrition occurred only after duodenal switch. LIMITATION: Clinical experience was greater with gastric bypass than with duodenal switch at the study centers. CONCLUSION: Duodenal switch surgery was associated with greater weight loss, greater reductions of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, and more adverse events. Improvements in other cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life were similar after both procedures. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.

Early Postoperative Exposure to High-Fat Diet Does Not Increase Long-Term Weight Loss or Fat Avoidance After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Rats.

Background: Bariatric surgery alters food preferences in rats and reportedly decreases desire to consume high-fat high-sugar food in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate whether early post-operative exposure to high-fat food could increase body weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) by triggering fat avoidance. Methods: Male Wistar rats underwent either RYGB (n = 15) or sham-operations (n = 16). Preoperatively a standardized 4-choice cafeteria diet [dietary options: low-fat/low-sugar (LFLS), low-fat/high-sugar (LFHS), high-fat/low-sugar (HFLS), high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS)] was offered. First, each option was available for 4 days, thereafter rats were offered the 4 options simultaneously for 3 days preoperatively. Post-surgery, 8 rats in the RYGB- and 8 in the sham-group were exposed to a high-fat content diet (Oatmeal + 30% lard, OM+L) for 10 days, while 7 RYGB rats and 8 sham-rats received OM alone. From the 11th postoperative day, the 4-choice cafeteria diet was reintroduced for 55-days. The intake of all available food items, macronutrients and body weight changes were monitored over 8 weeks. Main outcomes were long-term body-weight and daily change in relative caloric intake during the postoperative cafeteria period compared to the preoperative cafeteria. Results: During the first 12 days of postoperative cafeteria access, RYGB-rats exposed to OM+L had a higher mean caloric intake per day than RYGB rats exposed to OM alone (Δ10 kCal, P adj = 0.004), but this difference between the RYGB groups disappeared thereafter. Consequently, in the last 33 days of the postoperative cafeteria diet, the mean body weight of the RYGB+OM+L group was higher compared to RYGB+OM (Δ51 g, P adj < 0.001). RYGB rats, independently from the nutritional intervention, presented a progressive decrease in daily consumption of calories from fat and increased their daily energy intake mainly from non-sugar carbohydrates. No such differences were detected in sham-operated controls exposed to low- or high fat postoperative interventions. Conclusion: A progressive decrease in daily fat intake over time was observed after RYGB, independently from the nutritional intervention. This finding confirms that macronutrient preferences undergo progressive changes over time after RYGB and supports the role of ingestive adaptation and learning. Early postoperative exposure to high-fat food failed to accentuate fat avoidance and did not lead to superior weight loss in the long-term.

Patient Selection in One Anastomosis/Mini Gastric Bypass-an Expert Modified Delphi Consensus.

PURPOSE: One anastomosis/mini gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is up to date the third most performed obesity and metabolic procedure worldwide, which recently has been endorsed by ASMBS. The main criticisms are the risk of bile reflux, esophageal cancer, and malnutrition. Although IFSO has recognized this procedure, guidance is needed regarding selection criteria. To give clinicians a daily support in performing the right patient selection in OAGB/MGB, the aim of this paper is to generate clinical guidelines based on an expert modified Delphi consensus. METHODS: A committee of 57 recognized bariatric surgeons from 24 countries created 69 statements. Modified Delphi consensus voting was performed in two rounds. An agreement/disagreement among ≥ 70.0% of the experts was considered to indicate a consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 56 statements. Remarkably, ≥ 90.0% of the experts felt that OAGB/MGB is an acceptable and suitable option "in patients with Body mass index (BMI) > 70, BMI > 60, BMI > 50 kg/m2 as a one-stage procedure," "as the second stage of a two-stage bariatric surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy for BMI > 50 kg/m2 (instead of BPD/DS)," and "in patients with weight regain after restrictive procedures. No consensus was reached on the statement that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in case of resistant Helicobacter pylori. This is likely as there is a concern that this procedure is associated with reflux and its related long-term complications including risk of cancer in the esophagus or stomach. Also no consensus reached on OAGB/MGB as conversional surgery in patients with GERD after restrictive procedures. Consensus for disagreement was predominantly achieved "in case of intestinal metaplasia of the stomach" (74.55%), "in patients with severe Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)(C,D)" (75.44%), "in patients with Barrett's metaplasia" (89.29%), and "in documented insulinoma" (89.47%). CONCLUSION: Patient selection in OAGB/MGB is still a point of discussion among experts. There was consensus that OAGB/MGB is a suitable option in elderly patients, patients with low BMI (30-35 kg/m2) with associated metabolic problems, and patients with BMIs more than 50 kg/m2 as one-stage procedure. OAGB/MGB can also be a safe procedure in vegetarian and vegan patients. Although OAGB/MGB can be a suitable procedure in patients with large hiatal hernia with concurrent hiatal hernia, it should not be offered to patients with grade C or D esophagitis or Barrett's metaplasia.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students towards COVID19 in Sudan: A cross sectional study among 19 universities.

Background: Since December 2019, an outbreak of severe respiratory infection (COVID-19) emerged in the city of Wuhan in China. The knowledge, awareness and practice of medical students toward COVID-19 pandemic is of most importance as it demonstrates their preparedness to deal with this pandemic. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of medical students in Sudan universities about COVID 19. Methodogy: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 19 universities that have medical schools in Sudan. Data from at least 100 medical students from each university were included in the study. Data were collected using an online questionnaire in April 2020. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Science software, version 25. Results: About 2603 medical students from 19 universities were included. Overall good knowledge and practice were demonstrated by the medical students (88.9%) and (78.6%), respectively. Respondents who answered that the most common clinical symptoms of COVID-19 were the main combination of dry cough, fatigue and fever were (27.7%), and the first initial symptom was headache were (48.3%.). (60.2%) Wear medical masks, (95%) said that avoiding crowded places protects against the spread of COVID-19, and (50.7%) have confidence that Sudan can win the battle against the COVID-19. Finally, (68.8%) agreed that COVID-19 will finally be successfully controlled. Conclusion: This study has found that medical students in Sudan demonstrated good knowledge and good practice toward Covid19.

Outcomes of a Swallowable Intragastric Balloon (Elipse™) on 96 Overweight and Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: The traditional gastric balloons have been used for several years to reduce weight in overweight and obese patients, but the need for sedation and upper endoscopy leading to several limitations. The current series is the first study that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of the swallowable gastric (Elipse™) balloon in our population on the national level. METHODS: Ninety-six patients (mean BMI was 33.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2) participated in this study. All patients swallowed one Elipse™ balloon intended to remain in the stomach for 4 months, self-empty, and then pass. Each balloon was filled with 550 mL of filling fluid. Anti-emetics and anti-spasmodic drugs were prescribed for 2-3 days after insertion; proton pump inhibitor was prescribed twice daily 1 week before the procedure and continued until the end of residence time (16-20 weeks). RESULTS: In the current series, at end of the procedure (after 4 months), the overall mean weight loss (WL) was 11.2 ± 5.1 kg, mean waist circumference reduction was 10.9 ± 2.1 cm, and a mean BMI reduction was 4.9 ± 2.0 kg/m2. The percentage of total body weight loss (TBWL%) was 12.1 ± 5.2%. The Elipse™ therapy reported improvements in the metabolic parameters investigated. CONCLUSION: This swallowable gastric balloon (Elipse™) can be safely and successfully swallowed, filled, imaged, and passed with accepted weight loss and clinical improvement in factors related to the metabolic syndrome.

Outcomes of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass in the IFSO Middle East North Africa (MENA) Region.

INTRODUCTION: Since it was first described in 2001, the one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been gaining popularity in the Middle East region and worldwide. We designed a survey to evaluate the trends, techniques, and outcomes of OAGB in our region. METHODS: A questionnaire to study OAGB was sent to the members of the IFSO MENA chapter. RESULTS: One-hundred and forty-eight surgeons (74%) responded. Forty-six percent of all respondents (64 surgeons) performed OAGB routinely. The most commonly performed procedures were the laparoscopic sleeve gastrostomy (LSG), followed by OAGB, and then Roux-en-Y (RYGB). Of the surgeons who responded, 65% did not perform routine pre-operative endoscopy. Seventy-two percent believed that OAGB produces better weight loss than the LSG while 58% did not believe it produced better results to RYGB. The most common length of biliopancreatic limb utilized was 200 cm, and 72% of surgeons did not measure the total length of the small bowel. Fifty percent of the surgeons offered OAGB as a treatment for acid reflux and 33% offered it to active smokers. Early complications included leak (< 1%), venous thromboembolism (< 1%), and mortality (< 0.5%) in most centers. Leaks were managed conservatively (23%), by conversion to RYGB (20%), reinforcing the anastomosis (19%), reversal to normal anatomy (6%), and others (32%). Of the total surgeons, 41% reported revising at least one patient for malnutrition and steatorrhea, and 32% reported revising at least one patient for sever bile reflux. CONCLUSION: OAGB is a commonly performed and safe procedure in the MENA region. Malnutrition and bile reflux requiring surgical intervention are serious long-term concerns.

A Randomized Comparison Between Staple-Line Oversewing Versus No Reinforcement During Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Varieties of intraoperative methods such as oversewing of staple lines or other reinforcement products are used for preventing the laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the complication rates of the gastric stapling alone versus stapling with oversewing invagination of the staple line in the LSG. METHODS: This is a single-center randomized study, Patients were randomized to two groups, 200 patients underwent LSG without reinforcement of the staple line and 200 patients underwent LSG with oversewing of the staple line. All patients were followed up for 1 year. The data collected prospectively for statistical analysis included demographics, BMI, preoperative comorbidities, operative time, complications, and hospital stay. RESULTS: The overall mean operative age was 33.7 ± 9.4 years and mean BMI was 42.4 ± 4.3 kg/m2. Patient baseline characteristics (age, gender, weight, and BMI) and comorbidities were generally a nonsignificant different between the treatment arms. Surgical time was shorter in patients of the nonreinforced group (44.3 ± vs 51.3 ± 4.3 min; p < 0.01) with lower %EWL (73 ± 13.8 vs 80.7 ± 13.6%, p < 0.01). One patient in the nonreinforced group was complicated by gastric leak. The staple-line bleeding rate was significantly lower in patients underwent oversewing of the staple line during LSG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oversewing of the staple line during LSG is a nonexpansive and easy method to decrease the incidence and severity of the postoperative bleeding. However, it is time-consuming and should be performed by experienced surgeons to avoid the complications which may occur secondary to the seroserotomy suturing.

Outcomes of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass in 472 Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The positive impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on metabolic syndrome and glycemic control has been proven in obese patients. One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a simple, effective and easy to learn procedure. OAGB provides encouraging results for the treatment of diabetes obese patients, but does it have the ability to be an alternative procedure to RYGB in the treatment of these patients? The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of OAGB on diabetic obese patients at the bariatric centre of our university hospital. By extension, we evaluated the possibility of BMI and the preoperative antidiabetic medication usage to be predictive factors for postoperative diabetes resolution. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-centre study of 472 diabetic patients who underwent OAGB from November 2009 to December 2015. All patients were followed-up for at least 1 year, and up to 3 years, where available. Weight, HbA1c, and anti-diabetic medications were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. RESULTS: A total of 472 patients have been followed-up for 1 year and 361 for 3 years. The mean BMI decreased from 46.8 ± 7.2 to 29.5 ± 2.8 kg/m2 and HbA1c from 9.6 ± 1.3 to 5.7 ± 1.5% at the 12-month follow-up. At the 3-year follow-up, the mean BMI was 32.1 ± 3.3 and HbA1c mean was 5.8 ± 0.9%. Diabetes remission was achieved by 84.1% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: OAGB can be an excellent alternative to RYGB for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Pre-operative medications may be used to predict postoperative diabetes remission, but not BMI.

Outcomes of Omega Loop Gastric Bypass, 6-Years Experience of 1520 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Omega loop gastric bypass (OLGB) has been viewed with skepticism after the failure of the "old Mason loop." During the past 15 years, a growing number of authors worldwide approved that OLGB is a safe and effective procedure, which appears clearly from the operative outcome and long-term follow-up of consecutive cohort studies of patients who underwent OLGB. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of OLGB at the bariatric center of our university hospital between 2009 and 2015. METHODS: The data of 1520 patients who underwent OLGB from November 2009 to December 2015 at our center were reviewed. Mean age was 37.15 years, mean preoperative BMI was 46.8 ± 6.6 kg/m2, mean preoperative weight was 127.4 ± 25.3 kg, and 62.7% were women. Diabetes mellitus (DM) affected 683 (44.9%) of the 1520 patients, whereas 773 of the 1520 patients (50.9%) presented with hypertension. The mean operative time was 35 min. RESULTS: The 1-year postoperative BMI mean decreased to 29.6 ± 3.1 kg/m2, and at the 3-year follow-up, it was 27.5 ± 3.4 kg/m2. The mean of weight decreased to 81.3 ± 16.7 kg and to 78.9 ± 16.9 kg at the 1-year and the 3-year follow-up, respectively. Mortality rate was 0.1%. Overall complications were 9.3%; 0.8% required reoperations. Early complications were encountered in 50 patients (3.3%), and the late complications rate was (6.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, greater excess weight loss was observed with OLGB which appeared to be a short, simple, low-risk, effective, and durable bariatric procedure.

Comparison of three different doses sugammadex based on ideal body weight for reversal of moderate rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The majority of authors and the literature recommend sugammadex dose to be calculated according to RBW without taking fat content into consideration. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of sugammadex at doses of 1.5, 2, and 4 mg/kg, calculated according to ideal body weight basis, for the reversal of moderate rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: One-hundred and eighty morbidly obese patients were randomly assigned into three groups according to sugammadex dose administrated (based on IBW after reaching T2 of TOF): Group I: patients were given 1.5 mg/kg. Group II: patients were given 2 mg/kg. Group III: patients were given 4 mg/kg. Both sugammadex and extubation times were recorded. RESULTS: Sugammadex time was significantly longer in groups I and II versus III (P=0.000, 0.005 respectively). Difference between groups I and II was insignificant. The extubation time was insignificantly different in the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A dose of sugammadex of 1.5 mg/kg calculated according to IBW successfully reversed moderate rocuronium-induced NMB in laparoscopic bariatric surgeries.

Effect of adding intrathecal morphine to a multimodal analgesic regimen for postoperative pain management after laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain control after bariatric surgery is a major challenge. Our objective was to study the efficacy and safety of intrathecal (IT) morphine 0.3 mg added to bupivacaine 0.5% for postoperative pain after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: After local ethics committee approval, 100 morbidly obese patients scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group I received IT 0.3 mg morphine (0.3 mL) added to 1.2 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%; Group II received IT 0.3 mL saline added to 1.2 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%, immediately before induction of general anaesthesia. For both groups, 60 mg ketorolac and 1000 mg paracetamol were infused 30 minutes before the end of surgery. After wound closure, 20 mL bupivacaine 0.25% was infiltrated at wound edges. RESULTS: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was significantly lower in group I immediately, 30 minutes and 1 hour postoperatively. Time to first ambulation, return of intestinal sounds and hospital stay were shorter in group I than group II (p < 0.05); total morphine consumption was significantly lower in group I than group II (p < 0.05). Sedation score was significantly higher in group I immediately postoperatively, while at 30 minutes, 1, 2 and 6 hours postoperatively sedation scores were significantly higher in group II. Itching was significantly higher in group I. CONCLUSION: The addition of IT morphine to a multimodal analgesic regimen after laparoscopic bariatric surgery was an effective and safe method that markedly reduced postoperative pain, systemic opioid consumption and length of hospital stay.

Efficacy of laparoscopic greater curvature plication for weight loss and type 2 diabetes: 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP) has gained popularity within the last 2 years because it is a restrictive procedure that reduces gastric volume without the need for stomach resection. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in which 55 morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes (44 female, 11 male) underwent LGCP. The patients had a mean age of 38.5 years (22-55 years), mean BMI of 43.5 kg/m(2) (35-52 kg/m(2)), and mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.9 % (6-10 %). RESULTS: All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time was 55 min (40-80 min), and the mean hospital stay was 1.8 days (1.5-5 days). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported apart from three cases of resistant nausea and vomiting and one case of intraluminal bleeding. The mean excess weight loss (EWL%) was 35 % (30-65 %) after 12 months with a mean BMI of 38 kg/m(2) after 12 months. A total of 23 % of patients stopped losing weight 6 months after the procedure, and 11 % began regaining about 14 % (12-20 %) of their EWL 9 months after the procedure. The mean HbA1c was 7.5 % (5.5-8 %) after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: LGCP is feasible and safe in the short term when applied to morbidly obese patients, but may be unsustainable. It is inferior as a restrictive procedure for resolution of type 2 diabetes. Longer follow-up and prospective comparative trials are needed to clarify whether it can be considered an effective single-stage procedure for treating morbidly obese diabetic patients and their comorbidities.

Laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for super-obesity-weight loss versus side effects.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (LDS) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are the main surgical options for super-obese patients (body mass index >50 kg/m(2)). METHODS: We performed a medium long-term evaluation of 13 super-obese patients who had undergone LDS compared with a control group of 19 patients who had undergone LRYGB. The patients were assessed 31 months (range 17-38) and 34 months (range 26-62) after LDS and LRYGB, respectively, for body mass index changes, relief of co-morbidities, nutrition, quality of life, postoperative bowel function, and accumulated healthcare consumption. RESULTS: The mean body mass index decreased from 54.9 to 30.0 kg/m(2) in the LDS group and 57.8 to 39.8 kg/m(2) in the LRYGB group (P = .005). The hemoglobin A1c level was lower in the LDS group than in the LRYGB group (3.8 +/- .31% versus 4.3 +/- .43%, respectively; P = .01). The LDS patients reported greater energy intake than the LRYGB patients (3132 +/- 1392 kcal versus 2014 +/- 656 kcal, respectively; P = .021). The number of stools daily was 4.1 +/- 3.3 in the LDS group and 1.9 +/- 1.1 in the LRYGB group, P = .0482). Of the 12 patients in the LDS group, 6 reported fecal incontinence or soiling compared with 2 of 16 in the LRYGB group (P = .034). The number of outpatient visits was 5.6 +/- 4.6 for the LDS group and 2.0 +/- 1.9 for the LRYGB group (P = .016), and the number of telephone consultations was 5.0 +/- 5.6 and 1.4 +/- 1.6 for the LDS and LRYGB groups, respectively (P = .043). CONCLUSION: LDS resulted in greater weight loss than LRYGB in super-obese patients. However, the LDS patients in our series had more frequent gastrointestinal side effects, required greater doses of calcium and vitamin supplementation, and required more postoperative monitoring. Patient satisfaction was high in both groups.

Eosinophil cationic protein as a diagnostic marker for asthmatic children treated by immunotherapy.

We estimated the eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in serum and sputum of 20 children with bronchial asthma to find whether it correlates with disease activity and examine the effect of immunotherapy. Ten-age- and sex- matched healthy children were also included. Children were subjected to full history, clinical examination and investigation including skin prick test, chest x-ray, complete blood count, and estimation of eosinophil cationic protein. In addition, examination of sputum to determine the eosinophil count and eosinophil cationic protein level was carried out. Patients were classified into 2 groups (10 patients each) according to the line of treatment used (5 mild and 5 moderate in severity). Group I received pharmacotherapy only and was followed for one year, while group II, received pharmacotherapy plus immunotherapy for one year. A significant increase in eosinophil count and ECP of blood and sputum was found in asthmatic patients as compared to controls. The ECP levels were significantly higher in moderate cases when compared with mild cases. On comparing levels of both eosinophil count and ECP in peripheral blood and sputum, before and one year after treatment, there was a significant reduction after therapy among the two groups of patients. The reduction was significant in group II. On the other hand there was a significant decrease in both symptoms and medication scores after one year of therapy. In conclusion, ECP may be a marker of eosinophilic activity and degranulation that correlates with the severity of bronchial asthma. Immunotherapy may be a good adjuvant therapy for atopic bronchial asthma of childhood.