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Rosas Pereira A, Costa M, Costa GG, Carvalho AS. Anorexia Nervosa and Osteoporosis: A Possible Complication to Remember. Cureus 2024; 16:e52670. [PMID: 38380189 PMCID: PMC10877225 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) belongs to the spectrum of food disorders and affects approximately 2.9 million people worldwide. It is responsible for numerous and serious medical complications. Osteoporosis is a common complication, and the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) is one of the few potentially irreversible consequences of AN. When associated with AN, it can manifest at a very young age, possibly leading to irreparable damage. We describe the case of a 30-year-old woman with a one-year evolution diagnosis of AN, complaining of back pain. Physical examination revealed a slight elevation of the right shoulder and pain at compression of paravertebral right dorsal musculature with a palpable strained muscle. Full-length X-ray imaging of the dorsal spine revealed a slight dextroconvex dorsolumbar scoliosis. A dorsal spine computerized tomography (CT) was performed, confirming a fracture of the upper platform of the sixth dorsal vertebrae. Osteodensitometry showed lumbar spine osteoporosis and femoral osteopenia. The decrease in BMD and, later on, the development of osteoporosis can occur in both types of AN. It is a severe complication that affects up to 50% of these patients. It can be irreversible and increase the lifetime risk of bone fractures and, therefore, morbimortality. Low body weight and body mass index (BMI) strongly correlate with the decrease in BMD. Treatment of osteoporosis associated with AN is not standardized and clearly labeled. Weight gain is described as the strategy with the most impact in reversing the loss of bone mass and increasing the BMD. The regularization of gonadal function also seems to independently potentiate the increase of BMD. The occurrence of long bone and vertebrae fractures frequently results in a decrease in height and chronic back pain, culminating in greater morbimortality and healthcare costs. This clinical case aims to show theclose relationship between restrictive food disorders and the decrease of BMD and the subsequent development of osteoporosis and its complications. Although rare in young and healthy people, when associated with restrictive food disorders, it should raise a red flag in its clinical evaluation. Preventing osteoporosis development and reduction of fracture risk in this population is essential. The current absence of consistent evidence regarding screening of osteoporosis in this particular group should raise awareness and promote further larger-scale studies to establish standardized recommendations concerning not only screening but also pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis in patients with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Costa
- Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu Dão Lafões, PRT
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Frostad S, Bentz M. Anorexia nervosa: Outpatient treatment and medical management. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:558-579. [PMID: 35582333 PMCID: PMC9048449 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i4.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disabling, costly and potentially deadly illness. Treatment failure and relapse are common after completing treatment, and a substantial proportion of patients develop severe and enduring AN. The time from AN debut to the treatment initiation is normally unreasonably long. Over the past 20 years there has been empirical support for the efficacy of several treatments for AN. Moreover, outpatient treatment with family-based therapy or individual psychotherapy is associated with good outcomes for a substantial proportion of patients. Early intervention improves outcomes and should be a priority for all patients. Outpatient treatment is usually the best format for early intervention, and it has been demonstrated that even patients with severe or extreme AN can be treated as outpatients if they are medically stable. Inpatient care is more disruptive, more costly, and usually has a longer waiting list than does outpatient care. The decision as to whether to proceed with outpatient treatment or to transfer the patient for inpatient therapy may be difficult. The core aim of this opinion review is to provide the knowledge base needed for performing safe outpatient treatment of AN. The scientific essentials for outpatient treatment are described, including how to assess and manage the medical risks of AN and how to decide when transition to inpatient care is indicated. The following aspects are discussed: early intervention, outpatient treatment of AN, including outpatient psychotherapy for severe and extreme AN, how to determine when outpatient treatment is safe, and when transfer to inpatient healthcare is indicated. Emerging treatments, ethical issues and outstanding research questions are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stein Frostad
- Department of Mental Health Research, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Mette Bentz
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre, Capital Region of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
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Puckett L, Grayeb D, Khatri V, Cass K, Mehler P. A Comprehensive Review of Complications and New Findings Associated with Anorexia Nervosa. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122555. [PMID: 34207744 PMCID: PMC8226688 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and deadly psychiatric disorder. It is characterized by a significant degree of both co-occurring psychiatric diseases and widespread physiological changes which affect nearly every organ system. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the varied consequences of this disorder. Given the high rate of mortality due to AN, there is a need for early recognition so that patients can be referred for appropriate medical and psychiatric care early in the course of the disorder. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of the recent literature describing medical findings commonly encountered in patients with AN. The varied and overlapping complications of AN affect pregnancy, psychological well-being, as well as bone, endocrine, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Puckett
- ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (L.P.); (D.G.); (V.K.); (K.C.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Daniela Grayeb
- ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (L.P.); (D.G.); (V.K.); (K.C.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vishnupriya Khatri
- ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (L.P.); (D.G.); (V.K.); (K.C.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kamila Cass
- ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (L.P.); (D.G.); (V.K.); (K.C.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Philip Mehler
- ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, Denver, CO 80204, USA; (L.P.); (D.G.); (V.K.); (K.C.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Eating Recovery Center, Denver, CO 80230, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(303)-602-4972
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Dumitrașcu MC, Șandru F, Carsote M, Petca RC, Gheorghisan-Galateanu AA, Petca A, Valea A. Anorexia nervosa: COVID-19 pandemic period (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:804. [PMID: 34093760 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating and an intense fear of gaining weight. It is a disease with an increasing incidence during the last few decades, and represents a complex psychiatric condition which includes secondary amenorrhea, nutritional and metabolic damage, and impaired endocrine panel up to bone loss as well as cardiac, gastrointestinal and hematological complications. This is a narrative review which includes an update on this eating disorder from the perspective of an endocrine panel of anomalies, especially of the skeleton, considering the pressure of the recent global COVID-19 pandemic changes. Practically affecting every organ, anorexia nervosa needs to be taken into consideration during the pandemic period because of the higher risk of relapse due to new living conditions, social distancing, self-isolation, changes in food access, more intense use of social media platforms, disruption of daily habits, and more difficult access to healthcare practitioners. The lack of physical activity in addition to vitamin D deficiency related to low sun exposure or to the use of facial masks may also be connected to further bone damage related to this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Cristian Dumitrașcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Șandru
- Department of Dermatology, 'Elias' Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Dermatology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, 'C. I. Parhon' National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Endocrinology 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, 'Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele' Clinical Hospital, 050659 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Urology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuta Augustina Gheorghisan-Galateanu
- Department of Endocrinology, 'C. I. Parhon' National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Histology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Elias' Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Valea
- Department of Endocrinology, Clinical County Hospital, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Endocrinology, 'I. Hatieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Assessing for Eating Disorders: A Primer for Gastroenterologists. Am J Gastroenterol 2021; 116:68-76. [PMID: 33229986 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorders involve irregularities in eating behavior that may cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Consequently, many patients with eating disorders seek gastroenterological healthcare at some point in their illness, with many seeking this care even before they seek treatment for and/or diagnosed with their eating disorder. As such, the gastroenterology provider is in a unique position to identify, manage, and facilitate treatment for an eating disorder early in the course of the illness. Although assessing eating disorders is already a difficult task, the identification of eating disorders in patients with GI disease represents an even greater challenge. In particular, common GI symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating, may disguise an eating disorder because these symptoms are often viewed as a sufficient impetus for dietary restriction and subsequent weight loss. In addition, the focus on identifying an organic etiology for the GI symptoms can distract providers from considering an eating disorder. During this prolonged diagnostic evaluation, the eating disorder can progress in severity and become more difficult to treat. Unfortunately, a misconception that hinders eating disorder detection is the notion that the rate or method of weight loss is associated with an eating disorder. Regardless of whether weight loss is slow or rapid, purposeful or accidental, eating disorder behaviors and thought patterns may be present. Unidentified eating disorders are not only dangerous in their own right but also can interfere with effective management of GI disease and its symptoms. As such, it is imperative for the GI provider to remain well versed in the identification of these diseases.
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Alberts Z, Fewtrell M, Nicholls DE, Biassoni L, Easty M, Hudson LD. Bone mineral density in Anorexia Nervosa versus Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Bone 2020; 134:115307. [PMID: 32142910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) cause significant underweight in children and young people (CYP). The association of low bone mineral density (BMD) and underweight CYP in AN is well established, but less is known about BMD in ARFID. METHODS Retrospective case-note review and analysis of BMD measures by DXA on underweight patients referred to a paediatric clinic for eating disorders between 2014 and 2019. Indications for BMD measurement were age > 5 years and underweight for at least 6 months. RESULTS Of 134 cases where BMD was measured, 118 (88%) had AN and 16 (12%) ARFID. Age range was 6-19 years. 19% were males. ARFID cases were more likely to be male, have lower Body Mass Index (BMI), BMI z-score (BMIz), and longer underweight duration. For all cases, BMI and BMIz were positively associated with BMD z-score (BMI: coefficient 0.13,95%CI 0.04 to 0.22, p = 0.01; BMIz: coefficient 0.34, 95%CI 0.17 to 0.51, p < 0.001) and bone mineral areal density z-score (BMI: coefficient 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.23, p = 0.04 and BMIz: coefficient 0.27, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.49, p = 0.02). However, there were no associations of BMD with diagnosis (ARFID vs AN). Paired t-testing of 13 age, sex and pubertally matched pairs from AN and ARFID cases also showed no difference in standardized BMD scores. CONCLUSION Low BMD in our sample of underweight AN and ARFID cases was associated with BMI but not diagnosis. BMD may be as important in ARFID as AN. Further research should examine mechanisms and potential interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Alberts
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Mary Fewtrell
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - D E Nicholls
- Imperial College, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - L Biassoni
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - M Easty
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - L D Hudson
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Mitchell
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo (J.E.M.); and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis (C.B.P.)
| | - Carol B Peterson
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo (J.E.M.); and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis (C.B.P.)
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Murray SB. Updates in the treatment of eating disorders in 2019: a year in review in Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention. Eat Disord 2020; 28:21-31. [PMID: 32138636 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2020.1723373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Empirical evidence continues to suggest that the majority of patients with eating disorders will not fully recover during treatment, and that treatment gains are vulnerable to relapse in the longer term. The urgent need for improved treatment options for those with eating disorders cannot be overstated. This review article provides an overview of treatment-related research findings published in Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention during 2019. Importantly, this review encapsulates research (i) outlining guidelines in managing the medical risk inherent to the treatment of eating disorders, (ii) examining the treatment of eating disorders in cross-cultural contexts, (iii) expanding treatment research to novel and atypical eating disorder populations, and (iv) augmenting existing treatment approaches for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in novel contexts. These articles represent important contributions to the ongoing evolution of the treatment of eating disorders. However, further work is needed in precisely identifying the mechanisms of eating disorder psychopathology, such that emerging treatment efforts may be mapped onto specific targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart B Murray
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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