Weight loss following bariatric surgery improved cardiac risk factors in adolescents

American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009

Adolescents who underwent bariatric surgery experienced significant improvements in left ventricular mass, diastolic function, blood pressure and heart rate, according to data presented today.

“Increased cardiac risk factors are present in obese adolescents but can improve rapidly following profound weight loss. These improvements persisted for at least two years,” Holly M. Ippisch, MD, MS, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Heart Institute of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, said during a press conference.

The study included 87 adolescents (63 girls; 86% white) aged 19 years or younger who underwent bariatric surgery. Ippisch and colleagues used echocardiograms to assess changes in post-surgical heart function, diastolic function and hypertrophy at six months, one year and two years (n=55).

The researchers reported significant improvements in LV mass and diastolic function six months after surgery (P≤.01), and the improvements persisted at the two-year follow-up. The changes at six months post-op correlated with change in BMI (P<.05 for all), according to the researchers. Blood pressure did not impact change in LV mass.

Twenty-four percent of adolescents had abnormal LV geometry at two years, an increase from 49% at baseline.

Mean BMI decreased from 58 at baseline to 38 at two years post-op (P<.01).

“Average weight-loss within six months was 46 kg and this remained improved through two years for an average of 53 kg,” Ippisch said.

These results suggest that early weight-loss intervention improves not only weight loss but lasting improvements in cardiac risk factors, the researchers concluded. – by Jennifer Southall

Statistics from the CDC regarding childhood obesity are really quite alarming. We have gone from a prevalence of 5% of childhood obesity rates to the current prevalence of about 17%. We have also seen that the severity of childhood obesity has increased since the 1970s to the point where we are now seeing extreme measures being considered, such as bariatric surgery in adolescents with severe forms of obesity.

– Stephen Daniels, MD, PhD, MPH

Pediatrician and chief of Children’s Hospital of Denver

For more information:

Ippisch H. #1303. Presented at: the American Heart Association 2009 Scientific Sessions; Nov. 14-18, 2009; Orlando, Fla.