Blood pressure: effect of body mass index and of waist circumference on adolescents.

Background: Increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) have been associated with blood pressure elevation.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of BMI and WC on blood pressure (BP) of adolescents.

Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study including 536 adolescents from public and private schools.

Fatty liver disease in severe obese patients: diagnostic value of abdominal ultrasound.

Aim: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal ultrasound (US) for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in severe obese subjects and its relation to histological grade of steatosis.

Methods: A consecutive series of obese patients, who underwent bariatric surgery from October 2004 to May 2005, was selected. Ultrasonography was performed in all patients as part of routine preoperative time and an intraoperative wedge biopsy was obtained at the beginning of the bariatric surgery.

Preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: is it necessary?

Background: Obesity has been shown to be an important risk factor for several gastrointestinal diseases. However, the indication for preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) for all patients before bariatric surgery is controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases detected during preoperative UGE in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and the relevance of this procedure.