Comparison of metabolic effects of bariatric surgery in a group of elderly and young adults: A prospective cohort

Abstract

Introduction: The aim was to evaluate metabolic parameters in a group of patients older than 65 years old compared to younger adults at three and six months after bariatric surgery (BS). Material and Methods: Prospective analytic study of a cohort of 40 patients under BS since June, 2015 to March, 2018. Participants were divided into two groups (Group A: ≥65; B: <65 years old). Anthropometrics and metabolic parameters were assessed before and 3 and 6 months after BS. The excess weight loss percentage (EWLP) and the Triglycerides/HDLc (TAG/HDLc) ratio, as a marker of insulin resistance, were also evaluated. A p <0.05 was statistically significant. Results: Forty patients were under BS, we included thirty six: 21 patients were at group A (median age: 59, RIQ: 48-61 years old) and 15 at group B (median age 67, RIQ: 66-69 years old), the prevalence of patients with type 2 diabetes was 53% (n=8) in group B vs. 43% (n=9) at group A. After 3 and 6 months of BS, we found no statistical difference between groups in weight loss and the EWLP and the decrease in fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbAc1% levels but a significant rise in the levels of HDLc in group B. We observed a statistically decrease in the TAG/HDLc ratio and a positive correlation between HbA1c% and levels of FBG, HDLc and the TAG/HDLc ratio in group B. Moreover, we found a reduction in the use of antidiabetics and lipid lowering drugs in this age group. Conclusions: The metabolic effects of BS achieved significant benefits in the ≥65 y/o cohort, especially by decreasing insulin resistance, even in those patients without diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.