Among patients with severe obesity followed up for a median of 6.5 years, bariatric surgery compared with medical treatment was associated with a clinically important increased risk for complications, as well as lower risks of obesity-related comorbidities. The risk for complications should be considered in the decision-making process.

No abstract

The comparative effectiveness of various bariatric procedures on remission of type 2 diabetes remains debated. We aimed to compare the two most commonly used procedures, hypothesising higher remission rates of diabetes after gastric bypass than after sleeve gastrectomy. Methods:The Oseberg study is an ongoing triple-blind, randomised, single-centre trial taking place at Vestfold Hospital Trust, Norway. Adult patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Randomisation was performed with a computerised random number generator using block sizes of 10. Treatment allocation was concealed using sealed opaque envelopes, and was masked from participants, study personnel and outcome assessors. Primary outcomes were, first, the proportion of participants with complete remission of diabetes; glycated haemoglobin 6•0% (42 mmol/mol) or less with no diabetes medication, and, second, beta-cell function modelled from an intravenous glucose tolerance test at one year. Analyses were performed according to intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier: NCT01778738.

Procalcitonin (PCT). a new marker proposed as a diagnostic tool for bacterial infections, triggers a systemic-inflammatory reaction in the body (sepsis, septic shock) and has potential use in a wide range of patient settings. To interpret the results from PCT measurements, we depend on reference intervals established from relevant populations. PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were analysed in 47 patients with a normal postoperative course after major abdominal surgery. The mean concentration of PCT declines from the first day and reaches half its initial values on the second day after the operation. whereas the mean concentration of CRP increases in the first 48 h and reaches half its maximum value on the fifth day after the operation. We present a continuous reference interval for plasma PCT and CRP concentrations in the first week following major abdominal surgery. For PCT we also present a graphic display of expected mean and expected upper reference limits predicted from the value measured on the first postoperative day.

The results may be used as reference values for handgrip strength in 6-12-year-old children of both sexes. Handgrip strength may not be used as a screening tool for cardiometabolic risk factors in pre-pubertal children.