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Introduction Parental predisposition and age of onset may be independently associated with 1-year total weight loss (TWL) failure ( Methods This cohort study includes all cases of the German StuDoQ|MBE register (2015–2019) with data on parental predisposition, obesity onset, and at least 1-year follow up after primary MBS procedures (n = 14,404). We provide descriptive statistics of the cohort in terms of the main outcome and 1-year TWL failure, and provide characteristics of surgery type subgroups. Finally, we provide a multivariate logistic regression model of 1-year TWL failure. Results 58.8% and 45.7% of patients reported maternal and paternal predisposition for obesity, respectively. Average onset of obesity was 15.5 years and duration of disease 28.3 years prior to MBS. SG is the most frequently performed procedure (47.2%) followed by RYGB (39.7%) and OAGB (13.1%). Mean 1-year TWL is 32.7 ± 9.3%, and 7.8% (n = 1,119) of patients show TWL failure (p Conclusion The proportions of MBS patients that report on paternal and maternal predisposition for obesity are 45.7% and 58.8% respectively, and average age at onset is 15.5 years. 7.8% of patients do not meet current target criteria of successful response to surgery at 1 year. Early onset, male sex, age at operation, pre-operative BMI, pre-operative weight loss, SG, and T2D are independently associated with weight loss failure. Graphical abstract

Purpose Hiatal hernias with intrathoracic migration of the intestines are serious complications after minimally invasive esophageal resection with gastric sleeve conduit. High recurrence rates have been reported for standard suture hiatoplasties. Additional mesh reinforcement is not generally recommended due to the serious risk of endangering the gastric sleeve. We propose a safe, simple, and effective method to close the hiatal defect with the ligamentum teres. Methods After laparoscopic repositioning the migrated intestines, the ligamentum teres is dissected from the ligamentum falciforme and the anterior abdominal wall. It is then positioned behind the left lobe of the liver and swung toward the hiatal orifice. Across the anterior aspect of the hiatal defect it is semi-circularly fixated with non-absorbable sutures. Care should be taken not to endanger the blood supply of the gastric sleeve. Results We have used this technique for a total of 6 patients with hiatal hernias after hybrid minimally invasive esophageal resection in the elective (n = 4) and emergency setting (n = 2). No intraoperative or postoperative complications have been observed. No recurrence has been reported for 3 patients after 3 months. Conclusion Primary suture hiatoplasties for hiatal hernias after minimally invasive esophageal resection can be technically challenging, and high postoperative recurrence rates are reported. An alternative, safe method is needed to close the hiatal defect. Our promising preliminary experience should stimulate further studies regarding the durability and efficacy of using the ligamentum teres hepatis to cover the hiatal defect.

Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of Gal-1 in dose depending manner on maturation and immunomodulatory properties of monocyte-derived (Mo) DCs in-vitro. The effects were analyzed by monitoring their phenotypic characteristics, cytokine profile, and the ability to direct the immune response in the co-culture with allogeneic CD4+T cells. Gal-1 reduced the expression of CD80 and CD86 molecules on MoDCs compared to untreated MoDCs. Gal-1 at concentrations of 1 and 6 μg/mL significantly reduced IL-12 production, while the concentration of 3 μg/mL led to its significant increase. Gal-1 in all concentrations induced a significant increase in the production of IL-10. Treatment of MoDCs with 3 and 6 μg/mL of Gal-1 stimulated the production of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the co-culture with CD4+T lymphocytes. This study demonstrated a dual immunomodulatory effect of Gal-1 on MoDCs in terms of immune stimulation and immune suppression, depending on the applied concentration.

Background In 2017, the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) in Germany was approximately 16%. Obesity increases an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and arterial hypertension; it also increases overall mortality. Consequently, effective treatment is a necessity. Approximately 20 000 bariatric operations are performed in Germany each year. Methods This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed and Cochrane databases and on current German clinical practice guidelines. Results The types of obesity surgery most commonly performed in Germany, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, lead to an excess weight loss of 27-69% ≥ 10 years after the procedure. In obese patients with T2DM, the diabetes remission rate ≥ 10 years after these procedures ranges from 25% to 62%. Adjusted regression analyses of data from large registries have shown that the incidence of malignancies is 33% lower in persons who have undergone obesity surgery compared to control subjects with obesity (unadjusted incidence 5.6 versus 9.0 cases per 1000 person-years). The operation can cause vitamin deficiency, surgical complications, gastroesophageal reflux, and dumping syndrome. Therefore, lifelong follow-up is necessary. Conclusion In view of an increasing number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery, it will probably not be feasible in the future for lifelong follow-up to be provided exclusively in specialized centers.

The effect of the slip velocity in a bubbly jet ( $Re = 3000$ , initial void $\textrm {fraction} = 1.1\,\%$ ) is studied with various bubble slip ratios (0.07–2.1 times the inlet velocity, 0.01–0.31 m s $^{-1}$ in dimension). The governing equations, which are the conservation of mass, momentum and volume fraction, are solved by direct numerical simulations. A set of ordinary differential equations was derived by using a conventional one-dimensional integral framework on jets and by expressing the slip velocity using an exponential function. The one-dimensional analysis of bubbly jets successfully predicted the jet velocity radius, centreline velocity and the gas spread rate downstream of the bubbly jet. Second- and third-order statistics were also analysed to better understand the turbulent characteristics of the bubbly jet. A high slip ratio results in a rigid, narrower bubbly jet core region, where the turbulent kinetic energy is conserved along the centreline but does not diffuse towards the ambient region. The narrow, circular region around the core at high slip ratios decreased the turbulent kinetic energy. In the rigid bubbly jet core, turbulent diffusion of the gas phase is suppressed and has low correlations with the velocity fluctuations. Turbulence characteristics such as turbulence stress were compared with single-phase jet and plume results from existing literature. The magnitude of the turbulence characteristics at the lowest slip ratio is comparable with what is found in the literature, but there is a rapid transition from slip ratios of $0.14$ to $0.7$ . Furthermore, the turbulent kinetic energy budget was analysed for each case. The production term had the largest contribution, and its magnitude was almost five times the buoyancy production downstream. High slip ratio cases show a positive peak of pressure strain and turbulent diffusion along the centreline.

Background Response to metabolic surgery is heterogeneous and the metabolic states that underpin weight loss and metabolic improvement are still unclear. In this study, we investigate parameters of post-bariatric fasting glucoregulation and leverage artificial intelligence-assisted whole-slide image analyses to characterize associated immunohistologic features of the pancreas. Materials and Methods We performed either loop duodeno-jejunostomy (DJOS) with exclusion of 1/3 of total intestinal length, loop duodeno-ileostomy with exclusion of 2/3 of total intestinal length (DiOS), or a sham operation on 8-week-old male obese ZDF rats. Six months post-operative, we measured blood metabolites and hormones. Subsequently, pancreatic and intestinal tissue was removed, formalin fixed, and paraffin embedded. Immunohistologic (IHC) analyses included proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to visualize the proliferation fraction and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX 1) as a measure of pancreatic cell differentiation. For IHC quantification, all slides were digitalized and analyzed using QuPath. All analyzed slides were reviewed by two independent pathologists for correctness. Results DJOS and DiOS were associated with preserved fasting insulin production compared to sham. Histopathologic evaluation showed significantly higher numbers of beta cells and specifically of clustered cell organization in DJOS and DiOS compared to sham. Cell proliferation (PCNA) was significantly elevated in DJOS and DiOS compared to sham. Conclusion In this interventional model of bariatric surgery in severe genetic diabetes, we demonstrate post-operative histologic and immunohistologic features of the pancreas associated with improved fasting glucose homeostasis. Graphical abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to compare silicone-banded sleeve gastrectomy (BSG) to nonbanded sleeve gastrectomy (SG) regarding weight loss, obesity-related comorbidities, and complications. Summary background data As a primary bariatric procedure, SG leads to excellent weight loss, yet weight regain is a relevant issue in mid- to long-term follow-up. Retrospective analyses suggest that banding a sleeve using a silicone ring may decrease weight regain and improve weight loss. Methods The banded versus nonbanded sleeve gastrectomy single-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted from January 2015 to August 2019. The primary endpoint was defined as excess weight loss 3 years after surgery. Secondary endpoints included the surgery's impact on obesity-related comorbidities, quality of life, and complications. The study was registered under DRKS00007729. Results Among 94 patients randomized, 97% completed 3-year follow-up. Mean initial body mass index was 50.9 kg/m [95% confidence interval (CI), 49.6-52.2]. Mean adjusted excess weight loss 3 years after SG amounted to 62.3% (95% CI, 56.2-68.5) and 73.9% ( 95% CI, 67.8-80.0) after BSG (difference 11.6%, P = 0.0073). Remission of type 2 diabetes occurred in 66.7% (4/6) after SG and in 91.0% (10/11) following BSG (P = 0.21). Three years after surgery, ring implantation correlated with decreased frequency of symptomatic reflux episodes (P = 0.01) but increased frequency of regurgitation (P = 0.03). The rate of major complications was not different between the study groups (BSG, n = 3; SG, n = 2; P = 0.63). Quality of life was better following BSG (P = 0.001). Conclusions BSG provided better weight loss than nonbanded SG 3 years after surgery. Regurgitation was the main clinically relevant negative effect after BSG.

The search for an operation that effectively prevents and treats intrathoracic gastric migration (ITGM) after bariatric surgery has revived a long-forgotten technique: ligamentum teres cardiopexy (LTC) by which a vascularized flap of the teres ligament is wrapped around the distal esophagus. The systematic search of publications in the English language revealed 4 studies (total number of patients 53) in the non-bariatric literature with an unsatisfactory resolution of GERD. There were 5 reports from the bariatric literature with small patient numbers (total 64) and a short follow-up (6-36 months). There were no objective signs of gastric remigration in 93% of investigated patients. Acknowledging the limitations of these preliminary reports, bariatric surgeons are encouraged to further investigate the potentials of LTC in their patients.

The standard of surgical correction of post-bariatric intrathoracic gastric migration (ITGM) is hiatal hernia repair, but little is known about its efficacy in patients with one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). We present our experience. This retrospective cohort study includes all patients with OAGB who had undergone hiatal hernia repair from 2014 to 2019. The primary outcome was recurrence of ITGM as diagnosed by computed tomography and gastroscopy. A total of 63 patients underwent hiatal hernia repair 2–54 months (median 13) after primary OAGB (40 patients) or concurrent with revisional OAGB after prior sleeve gastrectomy (23 patients). ITGM recurred in 48% of patients with hiatal repair after primary OAGB and in 91% of patients with concomitant hiatal repair. Recurrences were diagnosed after a median interval of 9 and 8.5 months, respectively. Thirty-six patients (57% of total number) required a revision, and a re-recurrence of ITGM was detected in 15 patients. The Cox regression analysis of all hiatal repairs showed that two variables significantly influenced the likelihood of ITGM recurrence: the length of the migrated pouch (hazard ratio 1.32; p = 0.016) and the type of repair. Combining hiatoplasty with ligamentum teres augmentation (LTA) and conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) lowered the probability of ITGM recurrence (compared with stand-alone hiatoplasty; hazard ratio 0.21, p = 0.029). The outcome of hiatal repair in patients with OAGB is unsatisfactory. Stand-alone hiatoplasty is particularly ineffective. The combination of hiatoplasty with LTA and conversion to RYGB improves the early results, but the long-term durability needs to be tested.

Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) achieves excellent weight loss, yet recent reports indicate weight regain in a substantial number of patients. Objectives Inserting a nonadjustable gastric band may improve weight loss after SG. Setting University Hospital, Germany. Methods In a retrospective matched-pair analysis 51 patients who underwent banded SG (BSG) using a silicone ring between November 2010 and May 2017 were compared with patients who underwent conventional SG regarding weight loss, complications, and co-morbidity. Median follow-up was 5 years. Results Total weight loss was equal in the early follow-up (P = .118 and P = .111) but significantly better in BSG 3 and 5 years after surgery (BSG versus SG at 3 yr 38.7% ± 7.8, n = 33 versus 31.9 ± 10.7, n = 33, P = .002; BSG versus SG at 5 yr 37.6% ± 8.5, n = 27 versus 29.5 ± 12.9, n = 23, P = .008). Ring placement had no significant impact on clinical reflux signs (Fisher's exact test P > .999), yet 37 % of BSG patients reported ≥1 regurgitation per week (Fisher's exact test P = .013, odds ratio 12.4). Conclusion BSG leads to better weight loss than nonbanded SG 5 years after surgery. This comes at the expense of a higher rate of regurgitation. At a time in which weight loss limitations of a stand-alone SG are becoming a clinical problem, banding the sleeve may be a strategy to improve weight loss with this procedure.

The hindgut theory hypothesizes a key role of differential hindgut stimulation following metabolic procedures in ameliorating diabetes mellitus. We used two strategies to remove the hindgut from intestinal continuity in order to analyze its impact on diabetes mellitus. Loop duodeno-jejunostomy (DJOS) with exclusion of one-third of total intestinal length was performed in 3 groups of 9-week-old Zucker diabetic fatty rats. In group 1, no further alteration of the intestinal tract was made. Group 2 received additional ileal exclusion (IE). Group 3 underwent additional resection of 50% of the ileum with side-to-side ileocecal anastomosis (IR). One, 2, and 4 months after surgery, fasting blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and glucose-stimulated hormone analyses were conducted, and bile acid blood levels were compared. Body weight was documented weekly. In relation to DJOS, glucose control was not impaired in IR or IE. On the contrary, only IR could maintain preOP glucose values until 4 months. There were no significant weight differences between the groups. Confirming effective ileal diversion, bile acid blood levels were significantly higher in the DJOS group compared with both IR and IE (p = 0.0025 and p = 0.0047). Operative interventions had no impact on GLP-1 levels at any time point (ANOVA p > 0.05 for all). Insulin secretion was preserved in all groups. This data supports the hypothesis that the mechanisms driving amelioration of diabetes mellitus are complex and cannot be reduced to the ileum.

Jets and plumes are shear flows created by momentum and buoyant sources. They can be classified as either pure jets, forced plumes, pure plumes, or lazy plumes. Lazy plumes are characterised as hav...

Objective To examine pasireotide’s effect on intestinal anastomotic healing under physiological conditions and following preoperative whole-body irradiation. Material and methods Forty-five male Wistar rats received an ileoileal end-to-end anastomosis. Group 1 (Co, n = 9) served as control. Group 2 (SOM, n = 10) received pasireotide (60 mg/kg) 6 days preoperatively. Group 3 (R-Co, n = 13) was subjected to 8 Gy whole-body irradiation 4 days preoperatively. Finally, group 4 (R-SOM, n = 13) received pasireotide 6 days preoperatively and whole-body irradiation 4 days preoperatively. On postoperative day 4, anastomotic bursting pressure, histology, IGF-1 staining, and collagen density were examined. Results Mortality was higher in irradiated animals (30.8% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.021), and anastomotic bursting pressure was significantly lower (median, R-Co = 83 mmHg; R-SOM = 101 mmHg; Co = 149.5 mmHg; SOM = 169 mmHg). Inflammation measured by leukocyte infiltration following irradiation was reduced (p = 0.023), and less collagen was observed, though this was not statistically significant. Bursting pressure did not significantly differ between Co and SOM and between R-Co and R-SOM animals respectively. Semi-quantitative scoring of IGF-1, fibroblast bridging, or collagen density did not reveal significant differences among the groups. Conclusion Whole-body irradiation decreases the quality of intestinal anastomotic wound healing and increases mortality. Pasireotide does not significantly lessen this detrimental effect.

Introduction: Lipoedema is characterized as subcutaneous lipohypertrophy in association with soft-tissue pain affecting female patients. Recently, the disease has undergone a paradigm shift departing from historic reiterations of defining lipoedema in terms of classic edema paired with the notion of weight loss-resistant leg volume towards an evidence-based, patient-centered approach. Although lipoedema is strongly associated with obesity, the effect of bariatric surgery on thigh volume and weight loss has not been explored. Material and Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, thigh volume and weight loss of 31 patients with lipoedema were analyzed before and 10–18 and ≥19 months after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Fourteen patients, with distal leg lymphoedema (i.e., with healthy thighs), who had undergone bariatric surgery served as controls. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for patient age and initial BMI. Results: Adjusted initial thigh volume in patients with lipoedema was 23,785.4 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] 22,316.6–25,254.1). Thigh volumes decreased significantly in lipoedema and control patients (baseline vs. 1st follow-up, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0001; baseline vs. 2nd follow-up, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0013). Adjusted thigh volume reduction amounted to 33.4 and 37.0% in the lipoedema and control groups at the 1st follow-up, and 30.4 and 34.7% at the 2nd follow-up, respectively (lipoedema vs. control p > 0.999 for both). SG and RYGB led to an equal reduction in leg volume (operation type × time, p = 0.83). Volume reduction was equally effective in obese and superobese patients (weight category × time, p = 0.43). Conclusion: SG and RYGB lead to a significant thigh volume reduction in patients with lipoedema.

The augmentation of hiatoplasty (HP) with the ligamentum teres hepatis (LTA) is a new concept for intrathoracic migration of a gastric sleeve or pouch (ITGM). We retrospectively analyzed all cases of hiatal hernia repair in a single center between 2015 and 2019. A total of 171 patients underwent 307 hiatal hernia repairs after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (n = 79), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 129), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) (n = 99). Each hiatal hernia repair was defined as a “case” and assigned to the LTA group or the non-LTA group. The primary outcome was the recurrence of ITGM as detected by endoscopy or CT. The basic characteristics in the LTA group (78 cases) and the non-LTA group (229 cases) were comparable with the exception of the rate of revisional HP (72% vs. 21%), the rate of prior conversion to RYGB (33% vs. 17%), the initial BMI (45.9 ± 8.2 kg/m2 vs. 49.0 ± 8.8 kg/m2), and the follow-up (7 months (1–16) vs. 8 months (1–54)). The ITGM recurrence rate was 15% in the LTA group and 72% in non-LTA group (p

Galectin-1 (Gal-1) has been implicated in the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but also the development of immunodeficiency, which commonly accompany this malignancy. In this in vitro study, we investigated the effects of Gal-1 inhibition in the sera of immunocompromised CLL patients on immunomodulating properties of dendritic cells (DCs). DCs derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with a healthy serum, CLL serum as well as the combination of CLL serum and Gal-1 inhibitor (OTX008). Following the treatment, the expression levels of DC maturation markers (CD80, CD83, CD86 and IDO-1) were determined as well as their cytokine profile and the ability to polarize the immune response in co-cultures with CD4+ T cells. After treatment with CLL serum, an increase in interleukin (IL)-10 production was observed in both DC cultures and co-cultures with CD4+ T cells. OTX008 caused a reduction in IL-10 production as well as IL-2, but no significant alteration in the expression of DC maturation markers or T regulatory cell (Treg) frequency was observed. The results of our study suggest that Gal-1 from CLL serum give rise to a specific IL-10+ CD4+ T cell phenotype, other than Treg, that could mediate immunodeficiency development in CLL patients.

Die chirurgische Therapie der Adipositas in Deutschland ist ein sich rasch entwickelndes Gebiet, welches streng an die Nationalen Leitlinien gebunden ist. Darstellung der Belastung der Adipositaszentren durch den exponentiellen Anstieg postbariatrischer Patienten In einer retrospektiven Studie haben wir deskriptiv die Entwicklung der ambulanten Patientenzahlen an unserem universitaren Adipositaszentrum (gegrundet 2007) untersucht. Die Patientenbesuche wurden jahrlich ausgewertet und in zwei Gruppen eingeteilt: Erstvorstellung und Wiedervorstellung. Die Anzahl der durchgefuhrten bariatrischen Operationen sowie deren Akzeptanz/Kostenubernahme durch die Krankenkassen wurden ebenfalls evaluiert. Im Jahr 2007 wurden insgesamt 318 Patienten gesehen: 156 waren Erstvorstellungen, 162 Wiedervorstellungen. Die Ablehnungsrate der Kostenubernahme durch die Krankenkassen betrug 16,8 %. 2016 gab es 1691 Patientenvorstellungen (2016 vs. 2007 + 532 %), hiervon 487 Erstvorstellungen (+312 %) und 1204 Wiedervorstellungen (+743 %). Die Ablehnungsrate seitens der Krankenkassen fiel auf 1,8 %, wahrend sich die Anzahl der Operationen nahezu verzehnfachte. Mit der steigenden Akzeptanz der bariatrischen Therapie muss sich eine vergleichsweise kleine Zahl an spezialisierten Zentren mit der exponentiell steigenden Nachsorgefrequenz auseinandersetzen. In Anbetracht des Ausmases der Adipositasepidemie stellt insbesondere eine adaquate Nachsorge ein soziookonomisches Problem dar, welches nur im interdisziplinaren Setting unter struktureller Integration in das komplexe Gesundheitssystem gelost werden kann.

Background/Aim. In classical Hodgkin?s lymphoma (cHL) the existing prognostic scoring systems do not include markers that adequately reflect the interaction of malignant Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells and tumor environment. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum Galectin-1 (Gal-1) and soluble CD163 (sCD163) and the clinical status of patients with cHL, with special emphasis on the presence of relapse, progression, or resistance to the therapy applied. Methods. The research included 79 patients of whom 63 were patients with cHL, and the control group of 16 healthy volunteers. The study group of 63 patients with cHL included a subgroup of newly diagnosed patients without therapy, newly diagnosed patients with therapy, patients with relapse and progression of the disease and primary refractory patients during 2014 and 2015. Results. Analysis of the levels of sCD163 and Gal-1 within a group of patients suffering from cHL showed that the values of both molecules were higher in relapsed patients and the subgroup with progressive disease comparing to the subgroup of newly diagnosed patients without therapy or patients with therapy onset. Conclusion. Determination of Gal-1 and sCD163 levels is simple and reliable analysis that can contribute to the identification of high-risk patients with cHL and deserves inclusion in current prognostic scoring systems.

There is an ongoing debate on which procedure provides the best treatment for type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the pathomechanisms of diabetes improvement of partly anatomically differing operations is not fully understood. A loop duodenojejunostomy (DJOS) with exclusion of one third of intestinal length, a sleeve gastrectomy (SG), or a combination of DJOS + SG was performed in 8-week-old male ZDF rats. One, three, and six months after surgery, an oral glucose tolerance test and measurements of GLP-1, GIP, insulin, and bile acids were conducted. After an initial (4 weeks) equal glucose control, DJOS and DJOS + SG showed significantly lower glucose levels than SG 3 and 6 months after surgery. There was sharp decline of insulin levels in SG animals over time, whereas insulin levels in DJOS and DJOS + SG were preserved. GIP levels were significantly larger in both groups containing a sleeve at all three time points, whereas GLP-1 was equal in all groups at all time. Bile acid levels were significantly higher in the DJOS compared to the SG group at all time points. Interestingly, the additional SG in the DJOS + SG group led to lower bile acid levels 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The effect of SG on glucose control was transient, whereas a duodenal exclusion was the more effective procedure in this model due to a sustained pancreatic function with a preserved insulin secretion.

Introduction. Timely assessment of severity of acute pancreatitis is needed to avoid severe systemic complications by making optimal therapeutic approach and correct prognosis of the disease. The aim of the study was to establish the role of several inflammatory biomarkers and coagulation parameters in prediction of AP severity, and also to propose a mathematical formula which allows their combined use for the same purpose. Material and Methods. The prospective study included 70 patients with AP. The patients were divided into groups: mild (group I), moderate (group II) and severe AP (group III). All patients were further classified into two groups: group A (mild AP) and group B (moderate and severe AP). Biochemical markers, inflammatory biomarkers and coagulation factors were tested in all patients. Results. Based on the results of Mann-Whitney,s test, it can be concluded that groups A and B are significant different from each other for CRP (p

Summary High risk Hodgkin lymphoma patients may occasionally have borderline characteristics similar to gray zone lymphomas and T-cell/histiocyte rich B cell lymphomas. These entities require different and more aggressive treatment modalities. Aggressive behavior is often associated with disturbances caused by Epstein Barr virus, or immune evasion caused by overexpression of check point inhibitors PDL-1 and PDL-2 coupled with the lack of expression of Class I and II MHC molecules. Galectin-1, TARC, sCD163 and other surrogate markers of immunosuppression in Hodgkin lymphoma may be useful for the assessment of treatment response. The improvements in lymphoma management diminished the importance of prognostic factors unified in the International Prognostic Scoring system, reducing them from 7 to 3 factors that remained relevant. Interim PET analysis is the only method able to identify resistant patients while chemotherapy is ongoing, thus enabling adjustment of treatment according to the treatment response. Efforts for stratification of patients according to disease histology, biology, microenvironment, clinical scoring systems and PET scan are ongoing. Current breakthroughs have set strong background for novel therapies with monoclonal antibodies and check point inhibitors that will result in improvement of management of high risk patients.