Obese adolescents have a significantly higher prevalence of HTN and LVH. Our analysis suggests a direct negative effect of obesity on cardiovascular function starting early in teenage years. (Echocardiography 2011;28:150-153).

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Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity. Long-term complications include band slippage, gastric pouch dilatation and gastric erosion. Rates of band slippage reported in the literature range from less than 1% to over 20%. The aim of this review was to explore whether differences in the reporting of this complication contributed to the variability in this outcome measure. A full literature search was undertaken using EMBASE and MEDLINE search engines. Forty studies were selected for analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each was scrutinised for outcome reporting methods and related fields. Accurate definitions for relevant terms were derived from the best available evidence. Considerable variations in device deployed, operative approach, band fixation technique, and outcome reporting mechanisms were seen between the studies. The explanation and definition of terms used within manuscripts were also seen to vary between studies. A consensus needs to be reached on how best to report complications such as gastric band slippage. We suggest which information should be included by authors to allow for accurate and reproducible reporting of such outcomes in the future.

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in a population of teenagers undergoing screening echocardiography for the detection of HCM.MethodThe Anthony Bates Foundation performs screening echocardiography for the prevention of sudden death. A total of 2,066 students were studied between the ages of 13 to 19 years. Suspected HCM was defined as any wall thickness ≥ 15 mm. LVH was defined as wall thickness ≥ 13 mmResultsPrevalence of suspected HCM was 0.7% (14/2066). After adjusting for hypertension (HTN), the total prevalence was 0.5% (8/1457). In a subgroup analysis, 551 teenagers with documented race and LV wall thickness were identified between the ages of 13 - 19 years. African American teenagers [6% (3/50)] had higher prevalence of suspected HCM [0.8% (4/501), OR 7.93, CI 1.72-36.49, p = 0.002]. After multivariate adjustment for age, gender, BMI and HTN (systolic BP >140 and diastolic BP of > 90), African American race remained independently associated with suspected HCM (OR 4.89, CI 1.24-39.62, p = 0.02).ConclusionThe prevalence of suspected HCM in young teenagers is approximately 0.2%. This prevalence appears to be higher in African Americans. However, due to small number of African Americans in our population, our result needs to be confirmed in larger trials.

Obesity is a modern-day epidemic with serious physical, psychological and economic implications for the patients. Tackling obesity is now a priority for most healthcare providers. Managing such patients can be complex, emotional, time consuming and often frustrating. Obesity surgery, in its various forms, has revolutionised this struggle. With appropriate selection of patients, adequate resources and a multidisciplinary team involvement, obesity can now effectively be "cured". It is vital that those who deal with obese patients know how to access these services and understand the processes involved in the journey from initial assessment to postoperative follow-up. Obesity surgery has a major impact in reducing obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension and contributes to society by returning patients to work. Prevention must be at the heart of any strategy to manage obesity, but, for established cases, surgery is taking centre stage and will continue to flourish as new techniques and procedures are developed.