ESPE Abstracts

Background: The effect of profound weight loss following obesity surgery on skeletal microarchitecture and strength in adolescents has not been studied. Obese children are at an increased risk of fracture and childhood obesity leads to reconfiguration of trabecular bone without augmenting bone strength.Objective and hypotheses: To examine the impact of weight loss following 6 months treatment with an intragastric balloon supported by a lifestyle interven...

Background: A reduction in bone mass in adults and adolescents has been observed following Roux-en-Y bypass surgery with an increase in fracture risk reported in adults. However, the intragastric balloon (IGB) is a less invasive bariatric procedure.Objective and hypotheses: Given obese adolescents are at greater risk of fracture we studied the impact of a 6 month IGB insertion on skeletal mass, geometry and strength over 2 years.Me...

Background: The short synacthen test (SST) is a popular diagnostic investigation for adrenal insufficiency (AI). Cannulation and blood sampling are required making it invasive, time-consuming and resource-intensive. Salivary cortisol is a well-established alternative to serum sampling.Objective and Hypotheses: To develop a non-invasive alternative to the 1 μg SST, using a novel formulation of Synacthen (with a nasal drug enhancer, chitosan) given na...

Rationale: Although many adolescents meet the NICE criteria for bariatric surgery in the UK, there is a reluctance to undertake or commission irreversible procedures in young people. Balloons are temporary, reversible, safer and in adults have been shown to promote a clinically significant change in BMI of between 4.0 and 9.0 kg/m2. However due to subsequent weight regain, bypass surgery is preferred in adults. In adolescents, more amenable to change, balloons may p...