Malnutrition in Community-Dwelling Anorexia Nervosa Patients: Alterations of Physical and Laboratory Features

Authors

  • Maria Gabriella Gentile Eating Disorder Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
  • Giulia Maria Manna Eating Disorder Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
  • Laura Iaccarino Eating Disorder Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
  • Luisa Cometto Eating Disorder Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
  • Nicoletta Mariani Eating Disorder Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
  • Chiara Lessa Eating Disorder Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2012.01.01.7

Keywords:

Malnutrition, Clinical alteration, Anorexia Nervosa, Physical and laboratoty features, Undernutrition

Abstract

Background and aims: Malnutrition in Anorexia Nervosa may determine many abnormalities and consequences for both physical and psychological points. Their early detection and management may improve the prognosis.

This study aims at identifying clinical predictors of disease highlight possible correlations between signs-symptoms and degree of malnutrition.

Methods: The authors present a retrospective study of 302 Anorexia Nervosa outpatients aged 23.2 ± 9.4 years (`X ± SD) observed at arrival in Eating Disorder Unit.

Results: 302 patients were examined, (BMI 14.7 ± 1.9 kg/m2). We observed a significant reduction of measured basal metabolic rate (less 19.3 ± 15.3%) in almost all patients, and almost one patient over four have some clinical complications such as bradycardia, hypotension, anemia, hypoglycemia, showing a high correlation with malnutrition degree.

Conclusions: Determining malnutrition degree is relevant to identify and to treat Anorexia Nervosa patients as well as to contract setting of care with patients and parents for reducing delayed treatment.

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Published

2012-10-05

How to Cite

Gentile, M. G., Manna, G. M., Iaccarino, L., Cometto, L., Mariani, N., & Lessa, C. (2012). Malnutrition in Community-Dwelling Anorexia Nervosa Patients: Alterations of Physical and Laboratory Features. Journal of Nutritional Therapeutics, 1(1), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2012.01.01.7

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