Copper Deficiency: A Frequently Overlooked Complication After MBS-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

This study reviews the prevalence of copper (Cu) deficiency in patients for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), as well as the long-term outcomes related to the prevalence of Cu deficiency after undergoing MBS. A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles published by August 31, 2024. The search terms included metabolic and bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery, metabolic surgery, obesity surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, duodenojejunal bypass, copper, copper deficiency, and hypocuposemia. After PRISMA screening, 43 studies with a total of 49 patients with obesity were included in this meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that the prevalence of Cu deficiency after MBS at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year follow-up was found to be 16%, 28%, 21%, and 16%, respectively. Additionally, hypocuposemia was observed to be more prevalent in patients with BPD compared with other types of surgery. Copper deficiency is frequently observed in patients following MBS, particularly those who have undergone BPD procedures. Therefore, it is imperative for patients to undergo postoperative follow-up and nutritional monitoring, along with targeted interventions.

Keywords: Complication; Copper; Copper deficiency; Metabolic and bariatric surgery; Obesity.