Is alanine aminotransferase associated with metabolic syndrome independently of insulin resistance?
ALT levels were found to be significantly associated with metabolic syndrome independently of insulin resistance and with an interaction by age. Further cohort studies are needed to determine the usefulness of ALT levels for predicting the risk of metabolic syndrome.
The hypothesized positive volume-outcomes relationship of bariatric surgery is shown without arbitrarily categorizing hospitals to case volume groups, by analysis of volume as a continuous variable. Institutions with a dedicated fellowship training program have also been shown, in part, to be associated with improved outcomes. The concept of volume-dependent center-of-excellence programs is supported, although no independent association with the credentialing process is noted.