Persistent osteopenia after recovery from anorexia nervosa

Comparison of regional bone marrow adiposity characteristics at the hip of underweight and weight-recovered women with anorexia nervosa using magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Bone marrow adiposity (BMA) is an underestimated tissue, with properties that may alter bone strength especially in diseases that fragilize bone such as anorexia nervosa. In the present study, we investigated the regional characteristics of BMA at the hip of 40 underweight and 36 weight-recovered anorexic women, along with 10 healthy women, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy at multiple anatomical subregions (acetabulum, femoral neck, proximal femoral diaphysis and greater trochanter) to measure bone marrow fat fraction (BMFF) and apparent lipid unsaturation levels (aLUL). Correlations between BMFF, aLUL, body fat percentage (BF), and bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck and total hip, both measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, were assessed in anorexic patients. Whereas BMFF was significantly higher and aLUL significantly lower at the femoral neck of underweight and weight-recovered patients compared to controls (BMFF: 90.1 ± 6.7% and 90.3 ± 7.5% respectively versus 81.3 ± 8.1%; aLUL: 7.6 ± 1.4% and 7.3 ± 1.3% versus 9.2 ± 1.5%), BMFF and aLUL were not significantly different between the 2 subgroups of patients. Besides, three noteworthy features were observed between BMA and the other measured parameters in anorexic patients. First, synergic alterations of BMA were observed at all sites, with an inverse relationship between BMFF and aLUL (ρ = -0.88). Second, bone mineral compartment and BMA were associated, as a negative correlation between total hip BMD and BMFF was observed at all sites except the greater trochanter (ρ = [-0.32;-0.29]), as well as a positive correlation with aLUL at all sites except the proximal femoral diaphysis (ρ = [0.25;0.37]). Finally, we found a positive correlation between BF and BMFF at the femoral neck (ρ = 0.35), and a negative correlation between BF and aLUL at this same subregion (ρ = -0.33), which suggest a complex relationship between BMA and BF. Overall, BMA possesses regional specificities which may impair bone health, even after weight recovering.

Controlled Pilot Study of High-Impact Low-Frequency Exercise on Bone Loss and Vital-Sign Stabilization in Adolescents With Eating Disorders

PURPOSE

Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) face an increased lifetime risk of bone fragility. This randomized controlled study examined the efficacy and safety of a high-impact activity program on markers of bone turnover and stabilization of vital signs (VSS).

METHODS

Forty-one hospitalized adolescents with AN were randomly assigned to routine care or routine care plus 20 jumps twice daily. Bone markers were measured at baseline days 1-3 (T1), days 4-6 (T2), and days 7-9 (T3). The primary outcome was change in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) at T3 adjusted for BSAP and % median body mass index at T1. Secondary outcomes were serum N-telopeptide (NTX) and osteocalcin at T3. Safety was determined by comparing weight gain, time to VSS and length of stay for each group.

RESULTS

BSAP, NTX, or osteocalcin did not differ between groups at baseline or at T3. BSAP and NTX at T3 were not associated with group of enrollment or % median body mass index. VSS was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared with the control group (11.6 ± 5.7 days vs. 17 ± 10.5 days, p = .049). There was no significant difference in weight gain or length of stay between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Twice-daily jumping activity failed to influence markers of bone turnover in adolescents with AN but was well tolerated, shortened time to vital-sign stabilization and did not slow weight gain.

ED management of patients with eating disorders

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders are one of the "great masqueraders" of the twenty-first century. Seemingly healthy young men and women with underlying eating disorders present to emergency departments with a myriad of complaints that are not unique to patients with eating disorders. The challenge for the Emergency Medicine physician is in recognizing that these complaints result from an eating disorder and then understanding the unique pathophysiologic changes inherent to these disorders that should shape management in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, we will review, from the perspective of the Emergency Medicine physician, how to recognize patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa, the medical complications and psychiatric comorbidities, and their appropriate management.

CONCLUSIONS

Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are complex psychiatric disorders with significant medical complications. Recognizing patients with eating disorders in the ED is difficult, but failure to recognize these disorders, or failure to manage their symptoms with an understanding of their unique underlying pathophysiology and psychopathology, can be detrimental to the patient. Screening tools, such as the SCOFF questionnaire, are available for use by the EM physician. Once identified, the medical complications described in this article can help the EM physician tailor management of the patient to their underlying pathophysiology and effectuate a successful therapeutic intervention.

Time course of bone loss in patients with anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the time course of bone mineral density (BMD) in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) during 2-year follow-up.

METHOD

We prospectively studied 51 female with AN aged 18-38 years, and 40 age-matched healthy women (19-34 years). BMD was measured in lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) by DXA.

RESULTS

At baseline, weight, body mass index, and lumbar and hip BMD were significantly (p < .001) lower in AN patients than in controls. Patients who gain weight showed a significant increase in BMD at FN (+1.6%; p < .05), and TH (+4.4%; p < .05) and lower nonsignificant changes in LS (+1.3%). Weight at entry, and percent change of weight were significant determinants (p < .05) of the variability in percent change of BMD at FN and TH, whereas weight at entry was the main determinant of bone modifications at lumbar spine.

DISCUSSION

Our data emphasize the influence of weight gain in recovery of bone mass in AN patients, especially at the hip.

Osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a condition associated with reduced bone mass and increased bone fragility, for which there is no known effective treatment. Anorexia nervosa usually has its onset during adolescence, the critical time when peak bone mass is accrued. Low bone mass is caused by reduced bone formation, as well as accelerated bone resorption. The etiology is multifactorial and includes poor nutrition, low bodyweight, sex hormone deficiency and hypercortisolism. Weight gain and resumption of menses is accompanied by some improvement in bone mass, but may not restore it to normal levels. Oral estrogen-replacement therapy is not effective in increasing bone mass in this disorder. The bisphosphonates, used in conjunction with nutritional rehabilitation and weight gain, have shown promise, but concerns about safety have limited their use. The aim of this article is to highlight recent recommendations regarding the assessment of fracture risk in children and adolescents, summarize the evidence for low bone mass and increased fracture risk in anorexia nervosa, and discuss approaches to the management of low bone mass in this disorder.

Effect on bone health of estrogen preparations in premenopausal women with anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

Because estrogen therapies are widely prescribed for amenorrhea associated with anorexia nervosa (AN), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to estimate the influence of estrogen preparations (EP) on bone mineral density in women with AN.

METHOD

Prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of EP use to no treatment or placebo on bone mineral density and bone fractures were included. Independent reviewers selected studies for inclusion and extracted study characteristics, markers of methodologic quality, and outcomes for the intention-to-treat population.

RESULTS

Using random-effects meta-analyses and inconsistency across trials using the I(2) statistic, data were combined across two eligible prospective cohort studies and four RCTs; none reported effects on bone fractures. Compared with placebo or no treatment, low quality evidence found EPs have a moderate effect on bone mineral density in the lumbar spine [ES (effect size) 0.33, 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.09, 0.56; I(2) = 0%)], but no significant effect on the femoral neck (ES 0.13, 95% CI -0.16, 0.43; I(2) = 0%). There were no significant treatment-subgroup interactions.

DISCUSSION

In general, EPs have uncertain benefit and should be avoided by women with AN in whom the success of weight and nutritional rehabilitation is judged by menses resumption.

Bone loss without the loss of bone mineral material? A new perspective on anorexia nervosa

Since the advent on non-invasive in vivo clinical bone densitometry, investigators have reported that regional bone mineral material loss accompanies the onset and continuance of anorexia nervosa (AN). Initial single-energy photon absorptiometric (SPA) studies were followed by a succession of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric (DXA) investigations, and a few single-energy quantitative computer assisted tomographic (SEQCT) bone densitometry vertebral measurements. Although most all DXA studies found a relatively small diminution (approximately 3%) of bone mineral material at lumbar vertebral and proximal femoral bone-sites of AN-afflicted adolescent girls and young women, these findings have been consensually interpreted and near-universally accepted as losses of actual bone mineral material accompanying AN. It has also been claimed by some that about 50% of those beset by AN while still young adolescents were osteoporotic. Nonetheless, over the last intervening 2 decades of these studies, no specific underlying direct bone-biological causal link between AN and trabecular bone material loss has yet been uncovered. The present exposition shows that in vivo SPA, DXA, and SEQCT measurements of bone mineral material losses do not constitute evidence of actual loss of bone material, and that the attribution of osteopenia and osteoporosis to AN-afflicted younger adolescent girls is not sustainable. Rather, the full gamut of these reported bone material "losses" can be accounted for by the already well-documented AN-induced changes in the anthropometrics and compositional mixes of extra-osseous soft tissues (primarily in a very noticeable reduction of extra-skeletal fat) and intra-osseous bone marrow yellowing (marrow hypoplasia and marrow cell necrosis). These changes in soft tissue compositions and anthropometrics alone have been shown to be sufficient to cause in vivo SPA, DXA, and SEQCT to systematically mis-estimate true bone material density and erroneously register changes in bone mineral content, even when no actual changes in bone mineral material have occurred. As a result, it is seen that in vivo bone densitometry methodologies have not demonstrated that AN induces actual loss of bone mineral material. It is also demonstrated that DXA and SEQCT bone density measurements of predominantly trabecular bone-sites cannot be relied upon as gauges of heightened propensity for early (or late) osteoporotic development.

Treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the evidence supporting treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).

DATA SOURCES

We identified controlled clinical studies of interventions for low bone mass in AN via searches of MEDLINE; the Cochrane Library; EMBASE; PsycINFO; and cumulative index to nursing and allied health literature. Outcomes of interest were changes in bone mineral density and fracture incidence.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two cohort trials examined five classes of medical therapy on bone mineral density outcomes. One RCT of bisphosphonates showed no benefit and a second flawed RCT showed some benefit; one RCT showed a benefit of insulin-like growth factor-I; none of the five trials evaluating estrogen therapy showed benefit.

DISCUSSION

Although patients with AN are often losing bone mass when they should be optimizing bone growth, there is no good evidence to guide medicinal interventions. Therefore, early detection and weight restoration are of utmost importance whereas ongoing trials define effective therapies.

Prevalence and clinical determinants of low bone mineral density in anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of low bone mass in anorexia nervosa (AN) and the association with clinical parameters.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study on 286 Caucasian women with AN. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with DXA. Low BMD was defined as a Z-score <or= -1.0 in at least one site (lumbar spine or femoral neck).

RESULTS

A Z-score of <or= -1.0 in at least one of these sites was found in 46.9%. In comparison with the patients with normal BMD, in patients with a low BMD both the BMI at the time of DXA (p=0.005) and the lowest BMI ever (p<0.001) was lower. These patients also had a longer duration of AN (p=0.047). The decline of BMI per year between highest BMI ever and BMI at time of DXA was more rapid in subjects with a normal BMD (p=0.016) as compared to patients with low BMD. Low BMD was found to be independently associated with 'lowest BMI ever' (OR: 0.78; 95%CI=0.66-0.93), and with 'BMI decline per year' (OR: 0.83; 95%CI=0.71-0.97).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that low BMD is frequent in AN. The best indicator of low BMD appeared to be the lowest reported BMI ever.

High risk of osteoporosis in male patients with eating disorders

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis has traditionally been considered a female problem. This study's purpose is to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in males with eating disorders.

METHOD

Charts of 70 consecutive males admitted to an eating disorder program were reviewed. Females admitted during the same time period were used for comparison. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Thirty-six percent (19/53) had osteopenia and 26% (14/53) had osteoporosis at the lumbar spine. A disproportionate number of males with anorexia restricting or binge/purge subtype (ANR/ANB) had osteoporosis, as well as those of older age, lower weights, and longer illness duration. BMD for ANR and ANB males was significantly lower than females (p = .02 and p = .03, respectively). In multivariate stepwise linear and logistic regression, lowest BMI and illness duration predicted lumbar Z-scores.

CONCLUSION

Males with ANR/ANB often have severe bone disease, which is worse than females, and is best predicted by a patient's lowest BMI and illness duration.

Factors influencing changes in bone mineral density in patients with anorexia nervosa-related osteoporosis: the effect of hormone replacement therapy

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to evaluate factors affecting changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and osteoporosis and, more particularly, to assess the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on BMD in these patients. Our study involved 45 AN patients, 12 of whom had been treated by HRT for 2 years following a diagnosis of osteoporosis by densitometry (WHO criteria). Patients' mean age was 25.3 +/- 6.7 years. Mean duration of illness was 5.7 +/- 5.3 years. Serum calcium and phosphate were measured at baseline, as were bone remodeling markers. Osteodensitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed at inclusion and after 2 years. After 2 years, no significant differences were observed between spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMDs either in the HRT group (P = 0.3, P = 0.59, P = 0.58) or in the nontreatment group (P = 0.17, P = 0.68, P = 0.98). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the two groups when changes in spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMDs at 2 years were compared (P = 0.72, P = 0.95, P = 0.58). In both groups, change in weight at 1 year correlated with change in spine BMD at 2 years (r = 0.35, P = 0.04) and change in total-hip BMD at 2 years (r = 0.35, P = 0.04) but not with change in femoral neck BMD at 2 years. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) > or = 17 kg/m(2) at 2 years showed a significant increase in total-hip BMD when compared with patients with a BMI < 17 kg/m(2) (+4.4% +/- 6.7 vs. -0.5% +/- 6.01, P = 0.03). No significant differences were observed for spine and femoral neck BMD. In patients who had recovered their menstrual cycle, significant increases were observed in spine BMD (+4% +/- 6.3 vs. -1.9% +/- 5.6, P = 0.008), femoral neck BMD (+3% +/- 6.2 vs. -2.4% +/- 8, P = 0.05), and total-hip BMD (+3% +/- 7.1 vs. -3.7% +/- 10, P = 0.04). Prevention of bone loss at 2 years in AN patients treated by HRT was not confirmed in this study. We did confirm that increase in weight at 1 year was the most predictive factor for the improvement of spine and hip BMD at 2 years.

Predictors of recovery of ovarian function after weight gain in subjects with amenorrhea related to restrictive eating disorders

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anthropometric and endocrine characteristics of subjects with amenorrhea related to eating disorders after weight recovery, in order to identify factors connected with the resumption of menses.

METHODS

Clinical data, body composition parameters and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, cortisol, leptin and insulin were assessed in two groups of young women classified according to menstrual status after weight rehabilitation: 43 subjects who displayed persistent amenorrhea and 34 who resumed menses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between the different parameters and menstrual recovery.

RESULTS

The patients who resumed menses had low initial weight and BMI, and a greater difference between current and initial BMI (DeltaBMI), than those with amenorrhea. No differences were observed in lean mass, body fat or bone density between the two groups. Moreover, the reduction in FSH and the increase in LH, insulin and leptin emerged as significant predictors of menstrual recovery. Increased DeltaBMI and insulin continued to be positive predictors in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Following weight rehabilitation, the individual's metabolic set point before weight loss and the current insulin levels appear significant in predicting the reactivation of reproductive function.

Screening for osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa: prevalence and predictors of reduced bone mineral density

OBJECTIVE

Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in anorexia nervosa (AN) can be detected easily by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study was designed to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in AN, identify predictors, and determine the diagnostic yield of screening with DXA.

METHOD

DXA was used to screen 59 unselected adult patients with a history of AN.

RESULTS

Osteoporosis was identified in 18 patients (31%) and osteopenia in 30 (51%). The spine had a lower mean T-score than either the hip or femur. BMI significantly predicted T-score (p = 0.0006) and the odds of having osteoporosis (p = 0.0188). There was a significant association between use of oestrogens and the presence of osteoporosis or osteopenia (p = 0.0491). There was no significant association between duration of AN and T-score. A duration of AN of less than 1 year was found in 12% of those with osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

BMI is a strong predictor of BMD in AN. DXA is an effective screening tool and should probably be offered routinely.

Eating disorders in adolescence: what is the role of hormone replacement therapy?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the diagnostic criteria and clinical presentation of eating disorders in adolescence, to outline an approach to treatment, and examine evidence for prescribing hormone replacement therapy to increase bone mineral density in anorexia nervosa.

RECENT FINDINGS

Eating disorders are prevalent in adolescents and can present with amenorrhea and menstrual disturbances. Reduced bone mineral density leading to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk is a frequent, severe, and potentially irreversible complication of anorexia nervosa. The degree of bone mineral density reduction depends on the duration of amenorrhea and degree of malnutrition. Limited evidence supports the use of hormone replacement therapy to increase bone mineral density in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

SUMMARY

In adolescents with amenorrhea or menstrual disturbances, the gynecologist should consider the possibility of an eating disorder. The diagnosis can be made on history and physical examination. If an eating disorder is suspected, the patient should be referred for evaluation and treatment. Support for the use of hormone replacement therapy to increase bone mineral density in adolescents with anorexia nervosa is limited, and its routine use should be discouraged. Weight restoration, calcium and vitamin D supplementation and the resumption of spontaneous menses is the mainstay of treatment.

Neuropsychological study of underweight and "weight-recovered" anorexia nervosa compared with bulimia nervosa and normal controls

OBJECTIVE

To compare executive, memory and visuospatial functioning of DSM-IV anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and normal controls (NC).

METHOD

A comparison of women involving: (i) 16 AN with body mass indices (BMI) < or = 17.5 kg/m(2); (ii) 12 AN with BMI > 18.5 kg/m(2) for at least 3 months; (iii) 13 BN; and (iv) 16 NC participants was performed with groups of similar age and intelligence. Groups were assessed with EDE-12, MADRS, HAMA, Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) battery, and Bechara tasks.

RESULTS

Significant impairments in CDR Power of Attention were present in underweight AN and BN participants. CDR Morse Tapping was significantly impaired in all clinical groups. The BN and weight-recovered AN groups were significantly impaired on CDR immediate word recall. The BN group alone was significantly impaired on CDR delayed word recall.

CONCLUSION

Attentional impairment is similar in AN and BN. Impaired motor tasks in AN persist after "weight-recovery" and are similar to impairments in BN. BN may be discriminated from AN on word recall.

Skeletal status and laboratory investigations in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa

To our knowledge anorexia nervosa (AN) adversely influences bone density, but whether qualitative characteristics of bone are also affected is not known. For this reason we investigated prospectively the changes in skeletal status in a population of 18 adolescent girls with AN aged 11.5-18.1 years (mean 15.9+/-1.9 years) using both dual-photon X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements, bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase - bALP, carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen - ICTP), and laboratory investigations (serum total and ionised calcium, serum phosphate, urine calcium/creatinine ratio, luteinizing hormone - LH, follicle-stimulating hormone - FSH, estradiol). Measurements of bone mineral density at the spine (s-BMD) and total body (TB-BMD) and amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SOS) of the hand phalanges were performed at baseline, 7.8+/-2.4 and 19.4+/-5.6 months of follow-up. The mean values of TB-BMD, s-BMD and Ad-SOS measurements did not change during the period of observation. The mean Z-scores for TB-BMD and Ad-SOS were significantly lower after 19.4 months of observation vs. baseline (-1.06+/-1.00 vs. -0.67+/-0.98 vs. and -0.50+/-0.88 vs. 0.26+/-1.75, respectively). Z-scores for s-BMD decreased non-significantly (p=0.08). Among bone turnover markers, we observed a significant increase in bALP and a non-significant increase in osteocalcin serum concentrations which were below normal ranges for age, sex and Tanner stage at baseline. High baseline serum ICTP concentration decreased non-significantly, reaching normal ranges during the observation. We conclude that anorexia nervosa seriously affects skeletal status in adolescent girls. Bone turnover markers analysed together with densitometric parameters suggest that AN influences both bone formation and resorption processes. QUS measurements at hand phalanges may be an appropriate method in the evaluation of skeletal status in patients with AN.

Effects of an oral contraceptive (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) on bone mineral density in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of an oral contraceptive (OC) on bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa (AN) or eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS).

METHODS

Females 11-17 years of age with AN or EDNOS entered the study. Subjects were randomized equally to treatment with a triphasic OC containing norgestimate (NGM) 180-250 microg and ethinyl estradiol (EE) 35 microg or placebo for 13 28-day cycles. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scans (DXA) of the lumbosacral spine (LS) and hip were obtained at baseline and after 6 and 13 cycles.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics of the 112 subjects (NGM/EE 53; Placebo 59) who received study drug and had at least one on-treatment DXA were similar between groups for age (mean: 15 years in each group) and body mass index (mean: NGM/EE 17.9 kg/m2; Placebo 17.6 kg/m2). At the end of Cycle 6, there was a significant increase in the mean LS BMD in the NGM/EE group compared with placebo (.020 g/cm2 vs. .008 g/cm2; p = .021); however, at the end of Cycle 13 the mean increase in LS BMD in the NGM/EE group compared with placebo was no longer significant (.026 g/cm2 vs. .019 g/cm2, p = .244). There was no significant difference in change in hip BMD between groups. The incidence of adverse events was similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In a group of adolescent females with AN or EDNOS, treatment with a triphasic OC for 13 cycles did not have a statistically significant effect on LS or hip BMD.

Determinants of skeletal loss and recovery in anorexia nervosa

CONTEXT

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is complicated by severe bone loss. The effects of persistent undernutrition and consequent neuroendocrine dysfunction on bone mass and the factors influencing skeletal recovery have not been well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the rate of bone loss at the spine and hip in women with AN and whether resumption of menstrual function and/or improvement in weight are determinants of skeletal recovery in AN.

DESIGN

The study had a longitudinal design.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a clinical research center.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 75 ambulatory women with AN.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition were measured with dual x-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

In women not receiving oral contraceptives, those who did not improve weight or resume menses had a mean annual rate of decline of 2.6% at the spine and 2.4% at the hip. Those who resumed menses and improved weight had a mean annual increase of 3.1% at the posteroanterior spine and 1.8% at the hip. Women who recovered menses demonstrated a mean increase of posteroanterior spine but not hip BMD, independent of weight gain. Women who improved weight, regardless of whether they recovered menstrual function, demonstrated a mean increase of hip, but not spine, BMD. Increase in fat-free mass was a more significant determinant of increased BMD than weight or fat mass gain. In women receiving oral contraceptives, there was no increase in BMD at any site despite a mean 11.7% weight increase.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that rapid bone loss, at an average annual rate of about 2.5%, occurs in young women with active AN. Resumption of menstrual function is important for spine BMD recovery, whereas weight gain is critical for hip BMD recovery. We did not observe an increase in BMD with weight gain in women receiving oral contraceptives. Therefore, improvements in reproduction function and weight, with increases in lean body mass a critical component, are both necessary for skeletal recovery in women with AN.

Normalization of bone density in a previously amenorrheic runner with osteoporosis

PURPOSE

To examine changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in relation to pharmacological and nutritional interventions in a distance runner diagnosed with the female athlete triad of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis.

METHODS

BMD of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and total proximal femur were measured from ages 22.9 to 30.8 yr using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

At age 22.9, the patient presented with primary amenorrhea, low body weight (BMI: 15.8 kg.m(-2)), and low BMD in the spine (74% of normal, T score: -2.50) and hip (80% of normal, T score: -1.54). For the next 2 yr, the patient took oral contraceptives to induce menses, but continued to maintain a low weight. Her BMD remained unchanged. At age 25.1 yr, she decided to gain weight and improve her nutrition, resulting in small increases in spinal BMD (+1.1%), hip BMD (+1.6%), and total body BMC (+7.6%) in 4 months. From ages 25.4 to 30.8 yr, the patient continued to gain weight, eventually reaching a healthy BMI of 21.3 kg.m(-2); correspondingly, since baseline, her BMD had increased 25.5% in the spine and 19.5% in the hip, bringing her BMD to within normal values (spine: 94% of normal, hip: 96% of normal).

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates that even if skeletal development is interrupted in adolescence, there is still the potential for "catch-up" in BMD well into the third decade of life. Reversal of large bone density deficits in this patient can be attributed to improved nutrition and weight gain but not to hormone replacement.

Age-related differences in hormonal and nutritional impact on lean anorexia nervosa bone turnover uncoupling

INTRODUCTION

In anorexia nervosa (AN) patients osteoporosis occurs within a framework of multiple hormonal abnormalities as a result of bone turnover uncoupling, with decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. The aim of study was to evaluate the hormonal and nutritional relationships with both of these bone remodeling compartments and their eventual modifications with age.

PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

In a cohort of 115 AN patients (mean BMI:14.6 kg/m2) that included 60 mature adolescents (age: 15.5-20 years) and 55 adult women (age: 20-37 years) and in 28 age-matched controls (12 mature adolescents and 16 adults) we assessed: bone markers [serum osteocalcin, skeletal alkaline phosphatase (sALP), C-telopeptide of type I collagen (sCTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5b (TRAP 5b)], nutritional markers [ body mass index (BMI, fat and lean mass), hormones (free tri-iodothyronine (T3), free T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), 17 beta estradiol, free testosterone index (FTI), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol], plasma methoxyamines (metanephrine and normetanephrine) and calcium metabolism parameters [parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca, vitamin D3].

RESULTS

Osteocalcin reached similar low levels in both AN age subgroups. sCTX levels were found to be elevated in all AN subjects and higher in mature adolescents than in adult AN (11,567+/-895 vs. 8976+/-805 pmol/l, p<0.05). sALP was significantly lower only in mature adolescent AN patients, while there were no significant differences in the levels of TRAP 5b between AN patients and age-matched control groups. Osteocalcin correlated with sCTX in the control subjects (r=0.65) but not in the AN patients, suggesting the independent regulation of these markers in AN patients. Osteocalcin levels strongly correlated with freeT3, IGF-I, 17 beta estradiol and cortisol, while sCTX correlated with IGF-I, GH and cortisol in both age subgroups of the AN patients. Other hormones or nutritional parameters displayed age-related correlations with bone markers, leading to different stepwise regression models for each age interval. In mature adolescent AN patients, up to 54% of the osteocalcin variance was due to BMI, cortisol and 17 beta estradiol, while 54% of the sCTX variance was determined by GH. In adult subjects, freeT3 and IGF-I accounted for 64% of osteocalcin variance, while 65% of the sCTX variance was due to GH, FTI and methoxyamines.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest a more complex mechanism of AN bone uncoupling that includes not only "classical" influence elements like cortisol, IGF-I, GH or 17 beta estradiol but also freeT3, catecholamines and a "direct" hormone-independent impact of denutrition. Continuous changes of these influences with age should be considered within the therapeutic approach to AN bone loss.

The female athlete and menstrual function

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the past year, there have been remarkable advancements in the understanding of the female athlete's pathology and in recognizing the specific needs of women participating in both recreational and competitive sports. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent developments in the field of female athletes and menstrual function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although the female athletic triad, consisting of disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis, has been clinically recognized, there have been few studies quantifying the long-term effects. This review summarizes recently explored topics, including: disordered eating as a main culprit of menstrual irregularities, long-term longitudinal studies following female athletes through to retirement, and current treatment options.

SUMMARY

Understanding the causes, profiles and the prevention of menstrual irregularities in the female athlete should help decrease its prevalence among women involved in athletics. The literature reviewed in this article stresses the importance of early detection, as well as the consequences of eating disorders, menstrual disturbances and bone loss left untreated.

Exercise-induced endocrine pathologies

There has been a substantial increase in women practicing sports over the past 30 yr. While exercise provides many health benefits, there appears to be a unique set of risks associated with intense exercise for the female athlete. The female athlete triad encompasses these risks, including amenorrhea, osteoporosis and eating disorders. The incidence of menstrual irregularities including primary and secondary amenorrhea and shortened luteal phases is much higher among women partaking in athletics, specifically in sports requiring low body weight for performance and aesthetics. The hormone pattern seen in these amenorrheic athletes includes a decrease in GnRH pulses from the hypothalamus, which results in decreased pulsatile secretion of LH and FSH and shuts down stimulation of the ovary. The recently discovered hormone leptin may also play a large role as a significant mediator of reproductive function. The prevalence of eating disorders is high among female athletes who practice sports which emphasize leanness. Consequently, the cause of menstrual irregularities is not due to the exercise alone, but to chronic inadequate or restrictive caloric intake that does not compensate for the energy expenditure. The most dangerous risk associated with amenorrhea for the female athlete is the impact on the skeleton. Complications associated with amenorrhea include compromised bone density, failure to attain peak bone mass in adolescence and increased risk of stress fractures. The diagnosis of exercise-associated menstrual dysfunctions is one of exclusion. The most effective treatment is to decrease the intensity of the exercise and increase the nutritional intake. Hormone replacement has also been under investigation as a possible treatment.

A critical examination of the amenorrhea and weight criteria for diagnosing anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Amenorrhea and weight loss to below 15% of 'healthy' weight are current diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa (AN). This study compares females who meet current International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth revision (ICD-10) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria for AN with females who meet the essential psychopathology and significant self-starvation, but lack either amenorrhea or weight loss below 85%.

METHOD

This study retrospectively examined the medical charts of 588 consecutive admissions to an in-patient treatment program. All diagnoses conformed to ICD-10 and DSM-IV.

RESULTS

Of 588 admissions, 297 females had some form of AN with 77.4% (230 of 297) meeting current criteria, while 22.6% (67 of 297) with core psychopathology and self-starvation were classified as eating disorders not otherwise specified or 'atypical' because of some menstrual function or final weight above 85%. The groups showed few statistically significant differences on demographics, illness history, and treatment response, psychopathology, or bone density.

CONCLUSION

Amenorrhea may not be a useful diagnostic criterion. Also, requiring below 85% of healthy weight may need generalization.

Bone resorption in anorexia nervosa and rehabilitated patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of anorexia nervosa and that of nutritional rehabilitation on bone resorption.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, observational study.

SETTING

Rome, Italy

SUBJECTS

Twenty-eight female patients affected by anorexia nervosa (AN, BMI<or=17.0 kg/m(2)), 18 females rehabilitated from anorexia nervosa and weight-stable for at least 6 months (RE, BMI >or=18.5 kg/m(2)) and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (CO, BMI >or=18.5 kg/m(2)). Among AN patients, 16 were affected by the 'restrictive' (ANr) and 12 by the 'purging' type (ANp) of anorexia nervosa.

METHOD

Body weight, height and skeletal diameters were measured on each individual. The skeletal mass (SKM) was predicted from the skeletal diameters of the elbow, wrist, knee and ankle, using the equation of Martin. Twenty-four-hour urinary excretion of pyridinium crosslinks of collagen (pyridinoline (Pyd) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd)) and creatinine was assessed by reversed-phase HPLC with fluorimetric detection after solid-phase extraction and by the Jaffé-method with deproteinization, respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-four-hour urinary output of Pyd and Dpd was not significantly different between AN and CO when expressed in absolute values, but AN showed higher bone resorption than CO when Pyd and Dpd excretion was adjusted by either creatinine (P<0.0000) or the SKM (P<0.05). Within the AN group, urinary excretion of both cross-links was significantly and consistently higher in ANp compared with ANr (P<0.05). However, these differences disappeared when crosslink output was adjusted either by urinary creatinine or SKM. RE subjects showed no differences in bone resorption with the AN group despite weight gain, being crosslink excretion consistently elevated compared to controls (Pyd: P<0.01 by creatinine and P<0.05 by SKM; Dpd: P<0.01 by creatinine and P<0.05 by SKM).

CONCLUSION

Bone resorption is elevated in anorexia nervosa and different strategies for low-weight maintenance do not seem to have a differential impact. Increased bone resorption persists in subjects with past diagnosis of anorexia nervosa despite rehabilitation lasting more than 6 months. This finding indicates that bone mass and turnover should be monitored in anorexia nervosa patients and ex-patients well beyond recovery of normal body mass. Further investigation is warranted to examine the long-term effect of such prolonged increase in bone turnover at a young age.

Fractures in patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating disorders--a nationwide register study

OBJECTIVE

To study fracture risk in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS).

METHOD

Cohort study including all Danes diagnosed with AN (n = 2,149), BN (n = 1,294), or EDNOS (n = 942) between 1977 and 1998. Each patient was compared with three randomly drawn age- and gender-matched control subjects.

RESULTS

Fracture risk was increased in AN after diagnosis compared to controls (incidence rate ratio: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.60-2.44), but not before. The increased fracture risk persisted more than 10 years after diagnosis. A significant increase in fracture risk was found before diagnosis in BN (1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.64), with a trend towards an increase after diagnosis (1.44, 95% CI: 0.93-2.22). EDNOS patients had a significant increase in fracture risk before (1.39, 95% CI: 1.06-1.81) and after diagnosis (1.77, 95% CI: 1.25-2.51).

DISCUSSION

The increased fracture risk many years after diagnosis indicates permanent skeletal damage.

Osteoporosis: prevention and treatment in anorexia nervosa

One of the most serious and potentially permanently disabling medical complications of anorexia nervosa is osteoporosis, which greatly increases the long-term risk of bone fractures. The decreased bone density in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) is due to the many effects on bone metabolism of amenorrhea, reduced levels of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), high cortisol levels and weight loss. Although estrogen replacement therapy is clearly efficacious in preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis, its efficacy in AN is uncertain. Clinicians caring for patients with AN need to be aware of this because, despite such therapy, there may be an inexorable decline in bone mineral density in what is a relatively young group of patients. AN frequently has its onset during adolescence, when peak bone mass is normally reached, and an anorectic episode in youth may permanently impair skeletal integrity and lead to debilitating fractures and pain. It is important to recognise this formidable risk, counsel AN patients about the longterm and possibly permanent sequelae of low body weight, use densitometry to screen for bone loss and treat it accordingly. The most effective treatment is still early weight restoration and the resumption of menses.

The effect of estrogen-progestin treatment on bone mineral density in anorexia nervosa

INTRODUCTION

Osteopenia is a serious complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). Although in other states of estrogen deficiency, estrogen replacement therapy increases bone mass, its role in AN remains unresolved.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of estrogen-progestin administration on bone mass in AN.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective observational study of 50 adolescents with AN (mean age 16.8 +/- 2.3 yrs) was conducted in a tertiary referral center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and left hip were prospectively measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and annually.

INTERVENTIONS

Twenty-two subjects received estrogen-progestin and 28 standard treatment (Rx) alone. Estrogen-progestin was administered daily as an oral contraceptive containing 20-35 mcg ethinyl estradiol. All subjects received calcium supplementation and the same medical, psychological, and nutritional intervention (standard Rx). Mean length of follow-up was 23.1 +/- 11.4 months.

RESULTS

At presentation, patients were malnourished (79.5% +/- 7.6% IBW), hypoestrogenemic (estradiol 24.7 +/- 10.7 pg/mL), and had reduced bone mass (lumbar spine BMD -2.01 +/- 0.69 SD below the young adult reference mean). Ninety-two percent of subjects were osteopenic and 26% met WHO criteria for osteoporosis. Body weight, and no treatment group, was the major determinant of BMD. At one-year follow-up, there were no significant differences in absolute values or in net change of lumbar spine or femoral neck BMD between those who received estrogen-progestin and those who received standard Rx (80% power of finding a 3% difference in BMD at 1 yr). In those followed for 2-3 yrs, osteopenia was persistent and in some cases progressive.

CONCLUSION

In our study population, estrogen-progestin did not significantly increase BMD compared with standard Rx. These results question the common practice of prescribing hormone replacement therapy to increase bone mass in AN.

Ultrasound parameters of calcaneal bone density in girls with anorexia nervosa

Osteoporosis is common in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but ultrasound has so far been scarcely used to detect it We measured calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and velocity of sound (VOS) in 26 AN girls (mean age 15.1+/- 1.5 years) using a Cuba Clinical device (McCue Ultrasonics, UK). Basic anthropometric (body weight, height and body mass index--BMI) and clinical data (mean duration of AN, number of absent cycles, weight loss) were collected. All of the girls reported that they did at least one hour's vigorous exercise a day. BUA was significantly lower (p<0.004) and VOS significantly higher (p<0.0001) in comparison with reference data. Body weight and BMI at the time of the measurements were significantly lower than the reference data (p<0.0001). There were no correlations between body weight or height and BUA or VOS, but there was a slight correlation between BUA and BMI (r=0.4, p<0.05) and a slight inverse correlation between VOS, body weight and BMI (r=-0.48 and r=-0.43, p<0.01). VOS slightly correlated with weight loss (r=0.4, p<0.05), significantly with the weekly number of exercise hours (r=0.48, p<0.01). The duration of AN, the number of missed cycles and the percentage of weight loss did not correlate with BUA, and neither the duration of AN nor the number of missed cycles correlated with VOS. The low BUA value could be attributed to poor nutrition, and substantial physical activity may lead to the increase in VOS. In conclusion, girls with AN have low BUA and high VOS values, neither of which correlate with the duration of AN or the number of missed cycles.

Adolescent anorexia nervosa: the catch-up effect in bone mineral density after recovery

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether bone mineral density (BMD) loss can be reversed in adolescent anorexic patients.

METHOD

A prospective study with 108 anorexia nervosa patients (DSM-IV) from 12 to 17 years of age at the Eating Disorders Unit in the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (Spain). They were first evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in lumbar spine and femoral neck consecutively from 1997 until 1999 and reexamined after 6 to 30 months. Results were compared with normative values of bone mass.

RESULTS

Patients with poor outcome (n = 44) had a bone mass loss. Patients with good short-term outcome were divided in two groups. The group with normal BMD at first evaluation (n = 41) had a bone mass gain per year of 3.0% at lumbar spine and 0.5% at femoral neck. The group with low BMD at first evaluation (n = 23) had an increase per year of 9.1% at lumbar spine and 4.5% at femoral neck. In a multiple linear regression analysis with the variables body mass index, age, months with menstruation, and BMD zscore at first evaluation, the only predictor of BMD increase was the first z score both at the lumbar spine (coefficient R = 0.64; p < .001) and at the femoral neck (coefficient R = 0.5; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a catch-up effect in adolescent patients with low BMD but good short-term outcome.

Osteoporosis in young people. Research and treatment in eating disorders

We still have much to learn about BMD problems in eating disorders. Much progress has been made in the past 10 years; most clinicians and many patients and their families are now aware of the problem. More research is crucial, however, the authors suggest focusing on three areas: 1. Treatment and prevention: Such studies are difficult to conduct for similar reasons to the difficulties in conducting treatment trials of therapy for AN. First, the relative rarity of the condition makes it difficult to recruit subjects; second, drop-out rates are higher because of ambivalence; and third, the population is heterogeneous both in terms of symptoms and cause. 2. Better understanding of bone turnover in AN. More studies are needed to examine turnover of bone in patients with AN using biochemical markers. In particular, prospective studies are needed to examine the effects of refeeding, weight gain, and treatments such as calcium supplementation. 3. Long-term course of bone density. It would be particularly instructive to examine this in individuals with a short or long history of AN. It would also be useful to study women approaching menopause who had an episode of AN in their teens or early twenties compared with women who were of normal weight during this period.

Eating attitudes and habitual calcium intake in peripubertal girls are associated with initial bone mineral content and its change over 2 years

This 2-year prospective study examined associations among bone mineral acquisition and physical, maturational, and lifestyle variables during the pubertal transition in healthy girls. Forty-five girls, initially 10.5+/-0.6 years, participated. Body composition and bone mineral content (BMC) at the spine and total body (TB) were assessed at baseline and annually thereafter using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Nutrient intakes were assessed using 3-day diet records and a calcium food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), physical activity by questionnaire, sexual maturation using Tanner's stages of breast and pubic hair maturation, growth by height and weight, and eating attitudes using the children's Eating Attitudes Test (Children's EAT). Mean children's EAT subscale scores (dieting, oral control [OC], and bulimia) were stable over time. Median split of OC subscale scores was used to form high and low OC groups. Groups had similar body composition, dietary intake, activity, and Tanner stage at baseline and 2 years. Using height, weight, and Tanner breast stage as covariates, girls with low OC scores had greater TB BMC at baseline (1452+/-221 g vs. 1387+/-197 g; p = 0.030) and 2 years (2003+/-323 g vs. 1909+/-299 g; p = 0.049) and greater lumbar spine (LS) BMC at 2 years (45.2+/-8.8 g vs. 41.2+/-9.6 g; p = 0.042). In multiple regression analysis, OC score predicted baseline, 2 years, and 2-year change in TB and spinal BMC, contributing 0.9-7.6% to explained variance. Calcium intake predicted baseline, 2 years, and 2-year change in TB BMC, explaining 1.6-5.3% of variance. We conclude that both OC and habitual calcium intake may influence bone mineral acquisition.

Bone mineral density in adolescent females with recently diagnosed anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) can lead to osteoporosis and fractures.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated adolescent females with AN diagnosed within the previous 12 months to determine whether there is bone mass reduction and to investigate relationships between nutritional indices (weight, body mass index [BMI], lean mass, fat mass, and percentage fat) and total body (TB) and lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral densities (BMD) and content (BMC).

METHOD

TB and LS BMD and BMC and body composition were measured in 24 adolescent females with AN.

RESULTS

There was no significant reduction in TB or LS BMD. Regression analysis shows significant correlation (p < 0.001) between lean mass and TB BMD (r = +0.83), TB BMC (r = +0.92), LS BMD (r = +0.81), and LS BMC (r = +0.92). There was also a significant relationship between weight percentile and LS BMD z score (p < 0.005; r = +0.60).

DISCUSSION

Adolescent females with early AN do not appear to have reduced bone mass. Lean mass is correlated to BMD and BMC.

On exposure to anorexia nervosa, the temporal variation in axial and appendicular skeletal development predisposes to site-specific deficits in bone size and density: a cross-sectional study

Skeletal development is heterogeneous. Throughout growth, bone size is more maturationally advanced than the mineral being accrued within its periosteal envelope; before puberty, appendicular growth is more rapid than axial growth; during puberty, appendicular growth slows and axial growth accelerates. We studied women with differing age of onset of anorexia nervosa to determine whether this temporal heterogeneity in growth predisposed to the development of deficits in bone size and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), which varied by site and severity depending on the age at which anorexia nervosa occurred. Bone size and vBMD of the third lumbar vertebra and femoral neck were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 210 women aged 21 years (range, 12-40 years) with anorexia nervosa. Results were expressed as age-specific SDs (mean +/- SEM). Bone width depended on the age of onset of anorexia nervosa; when the onset of anorexia nervosa occurred (1) before 15 years of age, deficits in vertebral body and femoral neck width did not differ (-0.77+/-0.27 SD and -0.55+/-0.17 SD, respectively); (2) between 15 and 19 years of age, deficits in vertebral body width (-0.95+/-0.16 SD) were three times the deficits in femoral neck width (-0.28+/-0.14 SD; p < 0.05 comparing the deficits), (3) after 19 years of age, deficits in the vertebral body width (-0.49+/-0.26 SD; p = 0.05) were half that in women with earlier onset of anorexia nervosa. No deficit in bone width was observed at the femoral neck. Deficits in vBMD at the vertebra and femoral neck were independent of the age of onset of anorexia nervosa but increased as the duration of anorexia nervosa increased, being about 0.5 SD lower at the vertebra than femoral neck. We infer that the maturational development of a region at the time of exposure to disease, and disease duration, determine the site, magnitude, and type of trait deficit in anorexia nervosa. Bone fragility due to reduced bone size and reduced vBMD in adulthood is partly established during growth.

Relationships between body mass index and well-being in young Australian women

OBJECTIVE

To explore relationships between body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) and indicators of health and well-being in young Australian women.

DESIGN

Population based cohort study--baseline cross sectional data.

SUBJECTS

14,779 women aged 18-23 who participated in the baseline survey of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 1996.

MEASUREMENTS

Self-reported height, weight, medical conditions, symptoms and SF-36.

RESULTS

The majority of women (68%) had a BMI in the range 18.5- <25; 12% had a BMI <18.5; 14% had a BMI in the range 25- <30 and 6% had a BMI > or =30. After adjustment for area of residence, age, education, smoking and exercise, women in the highest BMI category (> or =30) were more likely to report hypertension, asthma, headaches, back pain, sleeping difficulties, irregular periods, and more visits to their medical practitioner. They were also more likely to have given birth at least once, and less likely to report 'low iron'. Women with low BMI (<18.5) were more likely to report irregular periods and 'low iron'. Mean scores on the SF-36 sub-scales for physical functioning, general health and vitality were highest for women with BMI in the range 18.5-25.

CONCLUSION

Acknowledging the limits of the cross-sectional nature of the data, the results show that the deleterious effects of overweight can be seen at a comparatively young age, and that BMI <25 is associated with fewer indicators of morbidity in young women. However, as BMI <18.5 is associated with low iron and irregular periods, care should be taken when developing strategies to prevent overweight in young women, not to encourage women with healthy weight to strive for a lower BMI.

Bone size and volumetric density in women with anorexia nervosa receiving estrogen replacement therapy and in women recovered from anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is associated with bone loss during adulthood, but may also delay skeletal growth and mineral accrual during growth. We asked the following questions. 1) Is anorexia nervosa associated with reduced bone size and reduced volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD)? 2) Is estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or recovery from anorexia nervosa associated with normal bone size and vBMD? Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, we measured bone size and vBMD of the third lumbar vertebra and femoral neck in a cross-sectional study of 161 female patients: 77 with untreated anorexia nervosa, 58 with anorexia nervosa receiving ERT, 26 recovered from anorexia nervosa, and 205 healthy age-matched controls. Results were expressed as the SD or z-score (mean +/- SEM). Deficits in vertebral body and femoral neck width in untreated women were -1.0 +/- 0.1 and -0.3 +/- 0.1 SD (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Deficits in bone width were less in the ERT-treated women than in untreated women at the vertebral body (-0.6 +/- 0.1 SD; P < 0.001), but not at the femoral neck (-0.4 +/- 0.2 SD; P < 0.05). There were no significant deficits in vertebral body and femoral neck width in recovered women (both -0.3 +/- 0.2 SD; P = NS). In untreated women, vertebral and femoral neck vBMD were -1.6 +/- 0.1 and -1.1 +/- 0.1 SD, respectively (both P < 0.001), less severely reduced in ERT-treated women (-1.2 +/- 0.2 and -0.6 +/- 0.2 SD, respectively; both P < 0.001), and least reduced in recovered women (-0.6 +/- 0.1 and -0.5 +/- 0.2 SD; P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). After adjusting for differences in fat and lean mass, vertebral body and femoral neck width were no longer reduced in untreated, ERT-treated, and recovered women. Adjustment for body composition had little effect on group difference in vBMD. Bone fragility in anorexia nervosa is due to reduced bone size and reduced vBMD. Although causality cannot be inferred in cross-sectional studies, the data are consistent with the view that malnutrition may contribute to reduced bone size, whereas estrogen deficiency may reduce vBMD. The use of ERT early in disease is a reasonable component of management if the chance of recovery appears remote.

Long-term fracture risk among women with anorexia nervosa: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine if fractures represent an important problem for women with anorexia nervosa who may fail to achieve peak bone mass and may experience premature bone loss from decreased estrogen levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this population-based retrospective cohort study, we identified 208 Rochester, Minn, residents that were first diagnosed as having anorexia nervosa between 1935 and 1989, whose subsequent fractures were documented in contemporary medical records and compared with expected numbers of fractures (standardized incidence ratios [SIRs]).

RESULTS

Subjects were followed up for 2689 person-years during which time 45 patients suffered 88 fractures. Fracture risk was increased among the 193 women (SIR, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-3.9) as well as the 15 men (SIR, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.9). The cumulative incidence of any fracture at 40 years after the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa was 57%. Fractures of the hip, spine, and forearm were late complications, occurring on average 38, 25, and 24 years, respectively, after diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Young women with anorexia nervosa are at increased risk of fractures later in life. Greater attention should be paid to the skeletal health of these individuals.