The effect of reduction of the peripheral fat content by liposuction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) on serum leptin levels in the postoperative period: a prospective study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a decrease in the peripheral fat content by suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) and serum leptin levels. Twenty-two healthy females who underwent SAL for aesthetic reasons participated in the study. The data included height, weight, dietary habits, and leptin levels before surgery and at 1 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The aspirate ranged between 1000 and 6000 ml, with an average of 2700 ml. Thirteen patients with an aspirate of over 2700 ml all experienced an immediate postoperative decrease in appetite which returned gradually by 12 to 17 days postoperatively. They lost an average of 7% of the total body weight at 6 weeks. The leptin levels 1 week postoperatively were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (p < 0.01); at 6 weeks the decrease in leptin level was not statistically significant. In conclusion, a reduction of the peripheral fat content of more than 2700 ml by SAL has an immediate effect on leptin levels that lasts at least 1 week and correlates with voluntary changes in energy intake.

Transient renovascular hypertension in childhood.

Two children aged 18 and 30 months presented with severe renovascular hypertension. Initially, surgical intervention was postponed because of the patients' young age. Adequate control of the hypertension and reversal of its sequelae were achieved with aggressive medical management. At present, both patients, aged 9 and 12 years respectively, have discontinued all medication, have achieved normal growth, are normotensive and have normal renal function.