Background: Duodenojejunal bypass liner (DJBL) is an endoscopic, reversible bariatric procedure resulting in weight loss and metabolic co-morbidities improvements in the adults.
Objectives: To determine safety and effectiveness of 12-month treatment with DJBL in adolescents with severe obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2) and co-morbidities.
Methods: Post-pubertal subjects were treated with DJBL in an open-label, prospective clinical trial (NTC0218393). They were examined at 3 monthly intervals during the 12 months of DJBL treatment and 12 months of follow-up.
Results: DJBL was successfully placed in 19/22 adolescents (13 females, mean age (95%CI); 17.3 (16.7-17.9) years, BMI-SDS 3.7 (3.6-3.9)). There were no serious device-related adverse effects. Clinically relevant percent total weight loss (%TWL) (mean (95%CI)) 11.4 (7.4-15.3) % and BMI decrease - 4.9 (- 2.4 to - 7.4) kg/m2 was observed at DJBL removal (n = 19). At 12 months after device removal, %TWL was 4.1 (- 2.6-10.8) % and BMI decrease - 2.6 (0.2 to - 5.4) kg/m2 when compared with values at baseline (n = 13). HOMA-IR (- 2.1 (- 3 to - 1.3), WBISI 1.15 (0.23 to 2.07), total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides levels also improved during DJBL treatment and relapsed similarly to weight at 12-month follow-up. A decrease in iron stores, Zn, and Se levels was determined during DJBL treatment and spontaneously improved at follow-up.
Conclusions: Twelve months of DJBL treatment was safe and effective in adolescents with morbid obesity. Weight regain following device removal and relapse of metabolic complications should be expected.
Keywords: Adolescent; Bariatric procedure; Duodenojejunal bypass liner; Obesity; Prediabetes.