Expected Normal Ketone Values After Very Low and Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is fast becoming a mainstream option for achieving long-term weight loss in the morbidly obese population due to the paucity of other effective alternatives. It is indicated in those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) >40, or those with an obesity-related comorbidity with a BMI >35. One of the most common of these comorbidities is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

In the weeks preceding bariatric surgery, it is routine for patients to be placed on a very low calorie diet (VLCD). The aim is to reduce abdominal wall thickness, visceral adiposity and hepatomegaly. Overall, this contributes to reduced technical difficulties at operation.

VLCD achieve rapid weight loss in the short term by inducing ketosis. This is achieved by reducing the consumption of carbohydrate and fat, while increasing protein intake. The depletion of caloric intake leads to decreased glucose stores. This then leads to a metabolic shift towards production of ketone bodies, which are produced by the liver via the oxidation of fatty acids. Ketones are then transported to tissue to take over the role of glucose as the main energy source for the central nervous system. The objective is to reduce fat mass without causing excess loss of muscle mass.

Overall the VLCD regime, via the induction of ketosis, is very successful in weight reduction. However this mechanism of action, and the production of ketone bodies, is now being questioned in those prescribed a new class of glucose lowering medication used to treat T2DM.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, also called gliflozins, are medications that reduce absorption of glucose in the kidney thus increasing excretion via urine. Phase 3 trials have shown them to be safe for treatment of T2DM however; however concern has been raised about development of a euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis. It is thought to occur when stress hormones lead to increased ketosis in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors, which appear to alter insulin production. This situation can occur in the perioperative period if the SGLT2 inhibitors have not been correctly withheld pre-operatively.

Current guidelines from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists recommend the cessation of SLGT2 inhibitors 3 days prior to surgery. If this has not occurred, they state blood ketones should be tested. If the blood ketones are >0.6, it is a strong recommendation to postpone non-urgent surgery. Ketone and base excess levels are then used to monitor patients in the perioperative period.

The confounding factor in these patients now presents itself- what are the expected blood ketone levels in bariatric patients who have been on two week of pre-operative VLCD and are fasting for surgery?