High Body Mass Index Patients Research Articles

Optimization of Patient Positioning for the Sonographic Evaluation of Gallstone Impaction: Analysis of Gallbladder Orientation Based on Computed Tomography.

An important sonographic sign of cholecystitis is stone impaction in the gallbladder neck. Demonstration of stone mobility excludes impaction. The purpose of this study is to analyze the orientation of the gallbladder on computed tomography and determine the patient position most likely to facilitate stone mobility. ImageJ processing software was used to determine the x (transverse), y (anterior-posterior), and z (craniocaudal) coordinates for the gallbladder neck and fundus in 544 consecutive computed tomography examinations. The differences in the fundal and neck coordinates were used to determine the likelihood of moving a stone from the neck to the fundus for the left and right lateral decubitus positions ( x coordinates), the prone position ( y coordinates), and the upright position ( z coordinates). The coordinate with the largest difference was considered to predict the position most likely to facilitate stone motion. The difference in position of the fundus and neck was greatest in the y -, z -, and x -axis in 232 (42.6%), 194 (35.7%), and 118 (21.7%) of patients, respectively. For body mass index (BMI) less than 25 kg/m 2 , the difference was greatest in the z -axis (59.8%). For BMI greater than 25 kg/m 2 , the difference was greatest in the y -axis (47.1%). Based on their relative location, the optimal position to facilitate gallstone mobility from the gallbladder neck to fundus was most often prone (especially in high BMI patients), followed by upright (especially in low BMI patients), followed by right lateral decubitus. The left lateral decubitus position was never optimal.

Analysis of Lateral Decubitus Position During Sleep in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using WatchPAT Device

Background and Objectives: Measurement of sleep parameters in both supine and non-supine positions is important for the diagnosis of positional obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the influence of right and left lateral decubitus positions (RLDP and LLDP, respectively) on sleep parameters is relatively unknown and has not been well investigated. This study was performed to verify the associations between sleep parameters and lateral decubitus sleep position.Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 38 patients who were diagnosed with OSA and underwent surgical interventions from January 2014 to December 2016. Preoperative sleep parameters were evaluated with WatchPAT, and patients who slept sufficiently in both RLDP and LLDP to accurately analyze sleep parameters were enrolled in the study. Basic clinical data including body mass index (BMI) and nasal endoscopic findings of patients were assessed.Results: The difference in peripheral arterial tonometry apnea-hypopnea index (pAHI) and PAT respiratory disturbance index (pRDI) between RLDP and LLDP showed no association with the side of deviated nasal septum. Patients with higher BMI showed higher pRDI in LLDP than RLDP (p=0.038). The difference in sleep position percentage between RLDP and LLDP was negatively correlated with the difference in pRDI (p=0.023).Conclusion: Higher BMI patients with OSA might benefit more from sleeping in RLDP than LLDP. Patients slept longer in the lateral decubitus position that produced lower pRDI. Not only supine and non-supine positions, but also RLDP and LLDP need to be evaluated in patients with OSA.

Influence of patient-specific factors when comparing multifidus fat infiltration between chronic low back pain patients and asymptomatic controls.

Many studies have attempted to link multifidus (MF) fat infiltration with muscle quality and chronic low back pain (cLBP), but there is no consensus on these relationships. In this cross-sectional cohort study, 39 cLBP patients and 18 asymptomatic controls were included. The MF muscle was manually segmented at each lumbar disc level and fat fraction (FF) measurements were taken from the corresponding advanced imaging water-fat images. We assessed the distribution patterns of MF fat from L1L2 to L5S1 and compared these patterns between groups. The sample was stratified by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), subject-reported pain intensity (VAS), and subject-reported low back pain disability (oswestry disability index, ODI). Older patients had significantly different MF FF distribution patterns compared to older controls (p < 0.0001). Male patients had 34.8% higher mean lumbar spine MF FF compared to male controls (p=0.0006), significantly different MF FF distribution patterns (p=0.028), 53.7% higher mean MF FF measurements at L2L3 (p=0.037), and 50.6% higher mean MF FF measurements at L3L4 (p=0.041). Low BMI patients had 29.7% higher mean lumbar spine MF FF compared to low BMI controls (p=0.0077). High BMI patients only had 4% higher mean lumbar spine MF FF compared to high BMI controls (p=0.7933). However, high BMI patients had significantly different MF FF distribution patterns compared to high BMI controls (p=0.0324). Low VAS patients did not significantly differ from the control cohort for any of our outcomes of interest; however, high VAS patients had 24.3% higher mean lumbar spine MF FF values (p=0.0011), significantly different MF FF distribution patterns (p < 0.0001), 34.7% higher mean MF FF at L2L3 (p=0.040), and 34.6% higher mean MF FF at L3L4 (p=0.040) compared to the control cohort. Similar trends were observed for ODI. This study suggests that when the presence of paraspinal muscle fat infiltration is not characteristic of an individual's age, sex, and BMI, it may be associated with lower back pain.

Frank Stinchfield Award: Does Bariatric Surgery Prior to Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Really Improve Outcomes?

Optimal management of morbid obesity before total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains debated. Recently, bariatric procedures have become more common with advancements in surgical techniques. We hypothesized that bariatric surgery prior to primary THA would mitigate acute postoperative complications and improve implant survivorship. A retrospective review from 1995 to 2020 identified 88 primary THA procedures in 71 unique patients who previously underwent bariatric surgery (73% Roux-en-Y). This cohort was matched 1:1:1 for age, gender, surgical year, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index to cohorts of patients with body mass index (BMI) <40 kg/m2 and BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Revisions, reoperations, and acute complications were compared. Subgroup analysis then evaluated historical (pre-2012) relative to contemporary (2012 and after) bariatric procedures. Revision rates for bariatric patients were higher relative to controls with low (hazard ratio [HR] 19, P < .01) and high BMI (HR 8, P < .01). Reoperation rates showed a similar increase for bariatric patients when compared to low (HR 9, P < .01) and high BMI (HR 4, P= .01) patients. Moreover, bariatric patients had an increased dislocation risk compared to the low (HR 7, P= .03) and high BMI (HR 17, P < .01) patients. Contemporary bariatric techniques had similar complications, revisions, and reoperations relative to historical procedures. Morbidly obese patients undergoing THA have increased risks of certain complications, but it is unclear if bariatric surgery improves this risk. This study found that patients undergoing bariatric surgery have worse implant survivorship and higher dislocation rates compared to patients with naturally low and high BMIs. Further investigation into the post-bariatric metabolic state is warranted. Prognostic Level IV.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with uninterrupted vitamin K antagonists.

Bridging of vitamin K antagonist (VKA) with heparin is usually not promoted during interventional or surgical procedures related to increased risk of bleeding and thrombotic events but this strategy has not been evaluated during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of major bleeding and vascular complications after TAVI performed in patients with uninterrupted VKA. From January 2016 to October 2017, consecutive patients who underwent TAVI with uninterrupted VKA (International Normalized Ratio [INR]between 1.5 and 3.5) were prospectively included in a monocentric registry. TAVI was performed according to current guidelines and a 50 U/kgbolus of heparin was injected at the beginning of the procedure for all patients. Vascular and bleeding complications were assessed using the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC3) and the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) definitions at a 30-day follow-up. A total of 88 patients were included with a median age of 84 years (81.8-87.0), 42% being female. The median society of thoracic surgeons score was 5.1 (4.1-7.5), the median CHADS2-VAScwas 5.5 (5-6)and 60.2% had a chronic kidney failure. Median INR at the time of implantation was 2.1 (1.8-2.6). The main VKA indication was atrial fibrillation. Transfemoral access was used in 88.6% of the patients. Major bleeding (BARC ≥ 3b) occurred in five patients (5.7%) and major vascular complications occurred in seven patients (8.0%). At 1month follow-up, major bleeding (BARC ≥ 3) or vascular complications occurred in 10 patients (11.4%). In patients with major bleeding peripheral arterial disease (RR = 10.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63-73.75; p = 0.014) and carotid access (RR = 8.56; 95% CI 1.19-1.51; p = 0.033) were more common. INR > 2.5 was significantly associated with vascular complications (RR = 7.14; 95% CI 1.29-39.63; p = 0.025). At 30 days, mortality and stroke rates were 2.3% and 4.5%, respectively. TAVI with uninterrupted VKA treatment seems feasible and safe with a low risk of major bleeding and vascular complications in this first single-center experience. Particular caution is advocated in high body mass index patients and to keep INR < 2.5.

High Survivorship of a Modular Titanium Baseplate Independent of Body Mass Index and Malalignment.

Tibial component aseptic loosening remains problematic in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Influential factors include component design, metallurgy, and cement technique. Additionally, reports advocate for longer tibial stem fixation in high body mass index (BMI) patients. We have utilized a single stem length modular titanium baseplate in patients regardless of BMI, bone quality, or malalignment. We report the survivorship of this implant with focus on the impact of elevated BMI and postoperative malalignment. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent TKA with a single modular titanium baseplate with a cruciate-shaped keel between 2004 and 2018. In total, 2,949 TKAs with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The mean follow-up was 7 years. The primary outcome was component failure stratified by BMI and postoperative malalignment. High viscosity cement was utilized in all cases. Chi-squared and t-tests were used to compare outcome variables across groups. Eighty-five implants (2.8%) were revised with 46 (1.6%) for aseptic loosening. Failure was not associated with BMI, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, or Charlson Comorbidity Index. There was no difference in failure rate by BMI (P= .26) or by malalignment (outside of 3° from neutral mechanical axis) (P= .67). Age was associated with failure as patients with failed TKAs were younger (61 vs 65, P < .01). This design of a specific modular titanium base plate with a cruciate-shaped keel and grit blast surface demonstrated 99% survivorship regardless of patient BMI or malalignment over 7-year follow-up period. Consistent cement technique with high viscosity cement indicates that component design remains an important variable impacting survivorship in TKA.

Spectral-domain OCT measurements in obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundPrevious studies proposed possible applications of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) measurements in prognosticating pathologies observed in overweight/obesity, including ocular, vascular, and neurologic consequences. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the changes in the in SD-OCT measurements of the patients with higher body mass index (BMI) compared to normal weight individuals.Materials and methodsWe conducted a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The search results underwent two-phase title/abstract and full-text screenings. We then analyzed SD-OCT measurements differences in patients with high BMI and controls, and performed meta-regression, sub-group analysis, quality assessment, and publication bias assessment. The measurements included macular thickness, cup to disc ratio, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) and its sub-sectors, RNFL and peripapillary RNFL (pRNFL) and their sub-layers, and choroidal thickness and its sub-sectors.Results19 studies were included in this meta-analysis accounting for 1813 individuals, 989 cases and 824 controls. There was an overall trend towards decreased thickness in high BMI patients, but only two measurements reached statistical significance: temporal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) (Standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.53 to -0.14, p<0.01) and the choroidal region 1.0 mm nasal to fovea (SMD: -0.38, 95% CI: -0.60 to -0.16, p<0.01).ConclusionSome ocular layers are thinner in patients with higher BMI than the controls. These SD-OCT measurements might correlate with adverse events related to increased body weight and have prognostic abilities. As SD-OCT is a robust, rapid and non-invasive tool, future guidelines and studies are needed to evaluate the possibility of their integration into care of the patients with obesity.

Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery and Renal Dysfunction; Association of Demographic and Clinical Variables with Proximal Clamp Location

While cross-clamp site is a known risk factor for postoperative acute and chronic renal dysfunction following open abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery (AAA), the additive impact of patient demographic and clinical factors is lacking. In this study, we investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI), surgical duration and aneurysm diameter on the association between proximal cross-clamp location and postoperative renal dysfunction. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 4,197 patients undergoing open AAA surgery between 2011 and 2018 using data housed in the American College of Surgeons National Safety Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. The primary outcome was renal dysfunction, which was defined as patients requiring dialysis within 30days or patients with ≥2mg/dL rise in creatinine from baseline. We assessed the incidence of renal dysfunction with regard to clamp location and subsequently used multivariable logistic regression to assess clinical and demographic factors associated with renal dysfunction. We used a regression model to plot the association of BMI, surgical duration, and aneurysm diameter with an adjusted probability of postoperative acute and chronic renal dysfunction for individual cross-clamp locations. Of the 4,197 patients analyzed, 405 patients (9.6%) developed renal dysfunction within 30 days with 287 patients requiring dialysis. Patients with supraceliac clamp location had the highest incidence of renal dysfunction (20.4%). Our data showed a significant association of renal dysfunction with higher BMI patients [OR 1.04 (1.02, 1.07), P=0.001], longer operative times [OR1.01 (1.01, 1.02), P<0.001], clamp location between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and renal artery [OR 1.80 (1.17, 2.78), P=0.007] and supraceliac clamp location [OR 2.47 (1.62, 3.76), P<0.001]. The incidence of renal dysfunction increases with suprarenal clamps. Patients with higher BMI, longer operative times, and increasing aneurysm diameter, and a suprarenal clamp have a significantly increased risk of renal dysfunction compared to those who also had a suprarenal clamp but lower BMI, shorter operative times and smaller aneurysm diameter.

Assessment of Clinical, Tissue, and Cell-Level Metrics Identify Four Biologically Distinct Knee Osteoarthritis Patient Phenotypes.

ObjectiveClinical heterogeneity of primary osteoarthritis (OA) is a major challenge in understanding pathogenesis and development of targeted therapeutic strategies. This study aims to (1) identify OA patient subgroups phenotypes and (2) determine predictors of OA severity and cartilage-derived stem/progenitor concentration using clinical-, tissue-, and cell- level metrics.DesignCartilage, synovium (SYN) and infrapatellar fatpad (IPFP) were collected from 90 total knee arthroplasty patients. Clinical metrics (patient demographics, radiograph-based joint space width (JSW), Kellgren and Lawrence score (KL)), tissue metrics (cartilage histopathology grade, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)) and cell-based metrics (cartilage-, SYN-, and IPFP-derived cell concentration ([Cell], cells/mg), connective tissue progenitor (CTP) prevalence (PCTP, CTPs/million cells plated), CTP concentration, [CTP], CTPs/mg)) were assessed using k-mean clustering and linear regression model.ResultsFour patient subgroups were identified. Clusters 1 and 2 comprised of younger, high body mass index (BMI) patients with healthier cartilage, where Cluster 1 had high CTP in cartilage, SYN, and IPFP, and Cluster 2 had low [CTP] in cartilage, SYN, and IPFP. Clusters 3 and 4 comprised of older, low BMI patients with diseased cartilage where Cluster 3 had low [CTP] in SYN, IPFP but high [CTP] in cartilage, and Cluster 4 had high [CTP] in SYN, IPFP but low [CTP] in cartilage. Age (r = 0.23, P = 0.026), JSW (r = 0.28, P = 0.007), KL (r = 0.26, P = 0.012), GAG/mg cartilage tissue (r = −0.31, P = 0.007), and SYN-derived [Cell] (r = 0.25, P = 0.049) were weak but significant predictors of OA severity. Cartilage-derived [Cell] (r = 0.38, P < 0.001) and PCTP (r = 0.9, P < 0.001) were moderate/strong predictors of cartilage-derived [CTP].ConclusionInitial findings suggests the presence of OA patient subgroups that could define opportunities for more targeted patient-specific approaches to prevention and treatment.

Superficial Thinning of the DIEP Flap: A Safe Option to Achieve an Aesthetic Reconstructed Breast in the Obese Patient.

Abdominal flap-based breast reconstruction is challenging in the overweight and obese population not only because of increased donor-site complications, but also because excessive flap thickness makes inset cumbersome, requiring thinning and remodeling that frequently result in aesthetically poor outcomes. The authors started by studying 10 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps with angiographic computed tomography. Then, they prospectively performed 21 breast reconstructions using a superficial thinning technique reliant on a constant suprafascial vessel as the pedicle for the remaining deep fat and compared the rate of complications with their previous experience using traditional flap thinning techniques. All samples studied showed a suprafascial division of the main perforator. Two constant branches were identified, one coursing over the Scarpa fascia and displaying a robust network of linking vessels with the subcutaneous and subdermal plexuses. That anatomical insight was used to develop a flap-thinning technique tested on 21 consecutive high-body mass index patients. A 7-year retrospective analysis (n = 164) showed no significant correlation between body mass index and incidence of complications except for a long-term upper pole step deformity that was associated with increasing body mass index (p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference in complications was found comparing high-body mass index patients from the retrospective group (n = 72) with the superficial thinning group, but a highly suggestive difference (p = 0.061) was found regarding the avoidance of the step deformity using the superficial thinning technique. The presence of a constant suprafascial perforator branch makes superficial DIEP thinning a safe technique that facilitates inset and improves the reconstructed breast contour of obese patients. Therapeutic, IV.

P27.05 High Body Mass Index (BMI) Is Associated With Better Outcomes in Mexican Patients With Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Population studies suggest that high body mass index (BMI) correlates with a reduced risk for death from some cancer like melanoma. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of high BMI on long-term overall survival (OS) in Mexican patients with advanced NSCLC. We evaluated 146 patients with advanced lung cancer (IIIB and IV) who were treated for locally advanced NSCLC. Demographic and clinical data were collected. BMI was estimated at diagnosis in routine screening evaluation before systemic treatment. They were stratified into two BMI groups ≧30kg/m2 and <30kg/m2 . Overall survival was analyzed by BMI group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were used to calculate OS. Univariate and multivariate analysis to identify variables associated with OS was assessed using Cox regression model Baseline patient characteristics and treatment parameters were similar between high BMI and no high patients. Among the included patients, the median age was 63.39 (range: 29-86 years), 49.2 % patients were females and 50.8 % were males. High BMI was associated with improved overall survival 38 vs 25 months p=0.047. There were no difference in overall survival between patient with overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) and normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) counterparts ( 26 vs 25 months, p = 0.67) High BMI patients in this retrospective study had significantly improved survival relative to no high BMI patients. Our data suggest that the protective effect of obesity in locally advanced NSCLC. Additional studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms and possible concomitant factors underlying the obesity in NSCLC as dietary and lifestyle interventions.

Association between high BMI and high homocysteine levels in Chinese patients with bipolar disorder

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) has been associated with an increased prevalence of weight gain and abnormally elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels. However, the relationship between BMI and Hcy in BD patients has not been investigated. This study aimed to explore this relationship in Chinese patients with BD. MethodsPlasma Hcy levels, socio-demographic parameters, clinical and anthropometric data were collected from 195 BD inpatients and 84 healthy controls. The level of plasma Hcy was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by body weight divided by the square of the height. The participants were divided into a high BMI group and a low BMI group using 24 kg/m2 as a threshold. ResultsThe prevalence of high BMI was slightly elevated in BD patients in comparison to healthy controls. Patients with elevated BMI had significantly higher Hcy levels than patients with low BMI. Hcy level was an independent contributor of the occurrence of high BMI in BD patients. The level of Hcy was positively correlated with BMI in BD patients. In addition, depressive episodes of BD were positively correlated with the prevalence of high BMI and married BD patients were more likely to have high BMI levels. ConclusionsThere is a close relationship between BMI and plasma Hcy levels in patients with BD, suggesting that Hcy may be an important indicator for BD-induced weight gain. This finding provides a new avenue for weight management of BD patients and to help avoid the potential risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Impact of High Body Mass Index on Vascular and Bleeding Complications After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Increased body mass index (BMI) is an established cardiovascular risk factor. The impact of high BMI on vascular and bleeding complications in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is not clarified. RISPEVA, a multicenter prospective database of patients undergoing TAVI stratified by BMI was used for this analysis. Patients were classified as normal or high BMI (obese and overweight) according to the World Health Organization criteria. A comparison of 30-day vascular and bleeding outcomes between groups was performed using propensity scores methods. A total of 3776 matched subjects for their baseline characteristics were included. Compared with normal BMI, high BMI patients had significantly 30-day greater risk of the composite of vascular or bleeding complications (11.1% vs 8.8%, OR: 1.28, 95% CI [1.02 to 1.61]; p=0.03). Complications rates were higher in both obese (11.3%) and overweight (10.5%), as compared with normal weight patients (8.8%). By a landmark event analysis, the effect of high versus normal BMI on these complications appeared more pronounced within 7 days after the TAVI procedure. A significant linear association between increased BMI and vascular complications was observed at this time frame (p=0.03). In conclusion, compared with normal BMI, both obese and overweight patients undergoing TAVI, experience increased rates of 30-day vascular and bleeding complications. These findings indicate that high BMI is an independent risk predictor of vascular and bleeding complications after TAVI.

Pharmacologic Considerations for the Obese Patient

Obese patients gain lean and mass in different proportions to total body mass. This results in different volumes of distribution (Vd) for medications according to their lipid solubility compared to that of normal weight patients. High body mass index (BMI) patients are at increased risk of medical comorbidities that may affect drug metabolism and clearance. Anesthesiologists should factor in these differences in order to prevent erroneous medication dosing. This review contains 1 figure, 1 table, and 61 references. Keywords: obesity, induction agents, analgesics, inhaled anesthetics, neuromuscular blocking agents, reversal agents, local anesthetics, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics

Operative and long-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open major liver resection in high body mass index patients: A propensity score matching analysis

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in high body mass index (BMI) patients has been reported to be particularly challenging owing to technical difficulties and various comorbidities. We reviewed medical records of patients in high BMI (≥ 25.0 kg/m2) with various liver disease who underwent major liver resection between January 2009 and November 2018 at our center. In total, 521 patients were included in this study and divided into LLR (n = 140) and OLR (n = 381) groups. For group comparisons, 1:1 PSM was used with covariates of baseline characteristics, including tumor characteristics and surgical liver resection procedures. After PSM, there were 120 patients in each groups. LLR group had significantly lower blood loss and shorter postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.001, respectively). Otherwise, the operation time of LLR were significantly longer than that of OLR in obese patients (p < 0.001). Age ≥ 70 years, ≥ 30 BMI, malignancy disease, and use of pringle maneuver were independent predictors for postoperative complication in multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis with HCC patients, there was no significant difference between the two groups in overall survival hazard ratio (HR), 0.225; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.049-1.047; p = 0.057) or recurrence-free survival rates (HR. LLR for various liver disease in obese patients results in shorter postoperative hospital stays and lower blood loss compared with OLR. In addition, morbidity and long-term oncological outcomes were comparable between LLR and OLR for obese patient with HCC. Our experience suggests that obesity should not be seen as a contraindication for LLR, which is a safe and feasible option for obese patients.

Lipid and neutrophil accumulation and active inflammasome in high BMI tumor regions of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

e16271 Background: Obesity is an established risk factor for cancer and cancer-related mortality. Adipocytes may act as a “damage” signal resulting in the accumulation of innate immune cells, fueling an inflammatory micro-environment. Among the innate immune cells, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) are confirmed to accumulate inside the tumor. As obesity is a significant risk factor for a poorer prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we hypothesize that obesity-driven adipose fuels the progression of PDAC in a TAN and inflammasome-facilitated manner. This may happen through several mechanisms, including genomic instability of aggressive PDAC clonal populations. Methods: Tissue from resected tumors of PDAC patients (n = 44) with a body-mass index (BMI) &gt; 27 (obese [n = 21]) and BMI &lt; 22 (normal [n = 23]) were incubated with anti-human CD66b antibodies and detected using standard immunofluorescent microscopy techniques. Images were acquired in a Zeiss Axioplan microscope workstation and analyzed by ZEN and Metamorph software. Results: We identified the presence of adipocytes in all tissue sections and CD66b+ neutrophils in all tissue sections of normal BMI patients and in 81% of high BMI patients. There is a significantly greater density of adipocytes in the tumor environment when compared to adjacent normal areas, suggesting that these cells are acting as a damage signal. We have also shown that there are fewer total cells per area in the tumor region, suggesting a disorganization that may allow more adipose tissue to form in these areas of high BMI patients. Our novel data also shows that high BMI results in a significantly higher neutrophil count in tumor specific tissue when compared to patients with a low BMI. These data suggest an association between BMI and inflammasome accumulation in the tumor environment. Conclusions: Our data uniquely shows that CD66b+ neutrophils tend to accumulate inside PDAC in high BMI patients and this is associated with intra-tumoral active inflammasomes. The higher concentrations of these inflammasomes in higher BMI patients may be of mechanistic relevance in understanding how inflammation induces progression of PDAC. A larger cohort of tissues from PDAC obtained from low and high BMI individuals will be needed to test our hypothesis and to begin to decipher the role of obesity on inflammation and PDAC progression.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) for High-Risk Patients, High Body Mass Index (> 50 kg/m2) Patients, and Contraindication to Abdominal Surgery.

For high-risk classified patients, patients with superobesity and in cases of contraindication to abdominal surgery, traditional bariatric surgery might lead to potential morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a novel and effective bariatric therapy for morbidly obese patients. Our research group initially evaluated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of ESG for high-risk, high body mass index (BMI) patients, and patients contraindicated to abdominal surgeries. Eligible patients characterized as high-risk for bariatric surgery due to high-BMI, severe comorbidities, or impenetrable abdomen were prospectively documented. ESG was performed by using Overstich® (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX, USA). Primary outcomes included technical success, post-procedure adverse events and mortality, and the change of weight and BMI. ESG was successfully performed for all patients (N = 24, mean age was 55.6 (± 9.2) years old, 75% male). Baseline weight and BMI were 157.9 (± 49.1) kg and 49.9 (± 14.4) kg/m2. According to Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS), 8 (33.3%), 14 (58.3%), and 2 (8.3%) patients were respectively classified as EOSS 2, 3, and 4. Mean operation time was 114.7 (± 26.0) min, without intraoperative complication. Weight loss, BMI reduction, %total weight loss (%TWL), and %excess weight loss (%EWL) were 17.5 (± 14.6) kg, 5.6 (± 4.6) kg/m2, 12.2% (± 8.9%), and 29.1% (± 17.9%) at post-ESG 12-month, respectively. One (4.2%) moderate post-procedure adverse event (gastric mucosal bleeding) was observed. ESG can be used as a safe, feasible, and effective option for the therapy of patients with superobesity, high-risk patients, and patients contraindicated to abdominal surgery. Graphical Abstract.

Antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) in urological malignancies: a multi-center retrospective study.

We evaluated the incidence and risk factors for antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) in prostate and kidney cancer patients. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 547 patients from 13 hospitals. Prostate and kidney cancer patients with bone metastases who were treated with a bone-modifying agent (BMA) between January 2012 and February 2019 were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were BMA use for hypercalcemia, a lack of clinical data, a follow-up period of less than 28days and a lack of evaluation by dentists before BMA administration. The diagnosis and staging of ARONJ were done by dentists. Two-hundred eighteen patients were finally enrolled in the study, including 168 prostate cancer patients and 50 kidney cancer patients. Of them, 49 (29%) prostate cancer patients and 18 (36%) kidney cancer patients needed tooth extraction prior to BMA initiation. The mean follow-up period after BMA initiation was 552.9 ± 424.7days (mean ± SD). In the cohort, 23% of the patients were diagnosed with ARONJ in the follow-up period. The 1-year cumulative incidences of ARONJ were 9.4% and 15.4% in prostate and kidney cancer patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that kidney cancer, tooth extraction before BMA and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25kg/m2 were significant predictors for ARONJ. ARONJ is not a rare adverse event in urological malignancies. Especially, kidney cancer, high BMI patients and who needed tooth extraction before BMA were high risk for developing ARONJ.

A comparative study of pre- or subpectoral expander position with the fenestrated Acellular dermal matrix anterior coverage, on drainage volume and Seroma Formation after Non-Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

It has been reported that the use of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in expander-based breast reconstruction is related to an increase in seroma-related complications. The aim of this study is to compare the actual drainage volume, time to drain removal, and seroma formation rate in patients with prepectoral expander placement with anterior coverage of a fenestrated ADM to those patients with partial subpectoral expander placement with inferior coverage of a fenestrated ADM. This is a single-surgeon retrospective review of patients who underwent prepectoral expander-based breast reconstruction following non-nipple-sparing mastectomy. Patient demographics, operative data, and complications were analyzed and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the significance of factors that influences total volume of fluid formation. A total of 89 breasts from 87 patients were included in the study. Twenty-seven breasts had prepectoral expander reconstruction and 62 breasts had partial subpectoral expander reconstruction. Mean total volumes of fluid formation (total drainage volume + additional aspirated volume) were not significantly different (p = 0.190) in the two groups. In the subpectoral group only, high body mass index (BMI) was correlated with the total volume of fluid formation among the independent factors. (p = 0.017) CONCLUSIONS: Although total drainage volume was not significantly different between prepectoral and subpectoral groups, prepectoral positioning of the expander can be a protective factor against seroma formation in high BMI patients. Further definitive studies with larger patient numbers are warranted to corroborate these data and draw definitive conclusions.

Significant lipid and neutrophil accumulation and active inflammasome in high BMI tumor regions of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

438 Background: Obesity is an established risk factor for cancer and cancer-related mortality. Adipocytes may act as a “damage” signal resulting in the accumulation of innate immune cells, fueling an inflammatory micro-environment. Among the innate immune cells, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) are confirmed to accumulate inside the tumor. As obesity is a significant risk factor for a poorer prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we hypothesize that obesity-driven adipose fuels the progression of PDAC in a TAN and inflammasome-facilitated manner. This may happen through several mechanisms, including genomic instability of aggressive PDAC clonal populations. Methods: Tissue from resected tumors of PDAC patients (n = 44) with a body-mass index (BMI) &gt; 27 (obese [n = 21]) and BMI &lt; 22 (normal [n = 23]) were incubated with anti-human CD66b antibodies and detected using standard immunofluorescent microscopy techniques. Images were acquired in a Zeiss Axioplan microscope workstation and analyzed by ZEN and Metamorph software. Results: We identified the presence of adipocytes in all tissue sections and CD66b+ neutrophils in all tissue sections of normal BMI patients and in 81% of high BMI patients. There is a significantly greater density of adipocytes in the tumor environment when compared to adjacent normal areas, suggesting that these cells are acting as a damage signal. Our novel data also shows that high BMI results in a significantly higher neutrophil count in tumor specific tissue when compared to patients with a low BMI. These data suggest an association between BMI and inflammasome accumulation in the tumor environment. Conclusions: Our data uniquely shows that CD66b+ neutrophils tend to accumulate inside PDAC in high BMI patients and this is associated with intra-tumoral active inflammasomes. The higher concentrations of these inflammasomes in higher BMI patients may be of mechanistic relevance in understanding how inflammation induces progression of PDAC. A larger cohort of tissues from PDAC obtained from low and high BMI individuals will be needed to test our hypothesis and to begin to decipher the role of obesity on inflammation and PDAC progression.