Long-term Outcomes of Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa on Bone

The body interior in anorexia nervosa: from interoception to conceptual representation of body interior

Background

Body image disorders are well documented in anorexia nervosa (AN); however, knowledge of interoceptive awareness (IA) in this population remains poor. This descriptive study investigated whether and how the representation of the interior of the body may have an impact on IA.

Methods

The representations and knowledge of the body interior were evaluated with a drawing task in 34 women with AN and 34 healthy controls (HCs). A lexicometric analysis was performed on the vocabulary used to describe the drawn body parts in a structured interview. It was assumed that the conceptual representation of the body interior could be affected by or influence IA. Thus, the relationship between IA, measured with the heartbeat task and the ischemia-induction test, and the drawings was explored. Other scales, such as those of body shape, awareness or satisfaction, were used to assess affective representations of the body.

Results

The drawing, lexicometric and IA results were similar in the two groups. No correlations were found among IA, body representation scores and representation level of body interior. Only the representation of bones by the AN group was significantly different.

Discussion

Increased visual attention to the skeleton or greater awareness of bone health could explain the stronger representation of bones in the AN group. The psychophysical therapy received by some AN participants (73%) did not seem to have influenced IA. Our results do not support a relationship between IA and the representation of the body interior.Clinical trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT03988218.

Recovery Trajectories in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa

Background: This study aimed to document recovery trajectories among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) based on three markers of remission, namely changes in body weight, food restriction, and excessive exercise, and to identify predictors of these trajectories. Methods: One hundred twenty-six adolescent girls (14.7 ± 1.3 years) were recruited during initial assessment visits at specialized eating disorder (ED) programs in five University Health Centers across the province of Quebec, Canada. z-BMI and AN symptom severity (food restriction and excessive exercise) were assessed at initial assessment visits and subsequently reassessed at each quarterly follow-up over a 12-month period to identify recovery trajectories. Results: Considering the three markers of remission, three distinct trajectories emerged: Group 1, rapid responders; Group 2, gradual responders; and Group 3, unstable responders. At initial visits, a difference between groups was found regarding the type of treatment (p = 0.01) and weight suppression (p = 0.02). Group 1 had a higher number of youths hospitalized than Group 2 and Group 3, and a greater weight suppression than Group 3. Furthermore, individuals with atypical AN were more likely to belong to Group 2 than to Group 1 and Group 3 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of recovery trajectories in adolescent girls with AN.

Fracture Risk in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa Over a 40-Year Period

Researchers have reported increased fracture risk in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but more knowledge on the long-term risk and the effects of age, male sex, and time-related changes is still needed. We examined the long-term (up to 40 years) fracture risk among patients with AN compared to a matched comparison cohort from the general population. We utilized data from the Danish Health Care Registers to identify 14,414 patients with AN (13,474 females and 940 males) diagnosed between 1977 and 2018, with a median age of 18.6 years and median follow-up time of 9.65 years. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox regression analysis for overall and site-specific fracture risks. The overall aHR of any fracture was 1.46 [95% CI: 1.36 to 1.48], with an aHR of 1.50 [95% CI: 1.43 to 1.57] for females and 0.95 [95% CI: 0.82 to 1.1] for males. For specific fractures we found an association with femur fractures both in females 4.06 [95% CI: 3.39 to 4.46] and in males 2.79 [95% CI: 1.45 to 2.37] and for fractures of the spine (females 2.38 [95% CI: 2.00 to 2.84], males 2.31 [95% CI: 1.20 to 4.42]). The aHR of any fracture decreased from 1.66 [95% CI: 1.52 to 1.81] in the period from 1977 to 1997 to 1.40 [95% CI: 1.33 to 1.40] from 1998 to 2018. In conclusion, we found that AN was associated with a 46% increased risk of any fracture up to 40 years after diagnosis. We found no overall increased risk in males, but in both sexes we found a particularly high site-specific fracture risk in the spine and femur. Fracture risk decreased in recent decades, indicating that more patients with AN have been diagnosed with presumably less severe disease and that the earlier detection and intervention of AN in recent years may translate into a lower facture risk. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

The absence of association between anorexia nervosa and smoking: converging evidence across two studies

Previous studies have found increased smoking prevalence amongst adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared to the general population. The current investigation explored bidirectional associations between AN and smoking behaviour (initiation and heaviness), to address questions surrounding causation. In Study One, logistic regression models with variance robust standard errors assessed longitudinal associations between AN and smoking, using data from adolescent participants of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = 5100). In Study Two, two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) tested possible causal effects using summary statistics from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Study One provided no clear evidence for a predictive effect of AN on subsequent smoking behaviour, or for smoking heaviness/initiation predicting later AN. MR findings did not support causal effects between AN and smoking behaviour, in either direction. Findings do not support predictive or causal effects between AN and smoking behaviour. Previously reported associations may have been vulnerable to confounding, highlighting the possibility of smoking and AN sharing causal risk factors.

Unique considerations for the medical care of restrictive eating disorders in children and young adolescents

BACKGROUND

The medical complications of eating disorders are often approached through an age-neutral lens. However, children and young adolescents may have unique medical complications related to the energy needs and timing of growth and development. Providers caring for patients in this vulnerable age range should understand how to identify, approach, and manage these potential age-related complications.

REVIEW

Evidence continues to accumulate that increasingly younger patients are being diagnosed with eating disorders. These children and young adolescents have significant risk for unique and potentially irreversible medical complications. Without early identification and treatment, restrictive eating disorders may negatively impact linear growth, bone development and brain maturation in children and young adolescents. Additionally, due to the energy needs of growth and development, unique considerations exist for the use of acute medical stabilization and the identification of patients at risk for refeeding syndrome with initial nutritional rehabilitation. This review presents an approach to the evaluation and management of children and young adolescents with eating disorders.

CONCLUSION

Children and young adolescents with restrictive eating disorders may have unique medical complications related to the energy needs and timing of linear growth and pubertal development. Significant risk exists for irreversible medical complications of impaired growth, bone, and brain health. Increased awareness of the energy needs for growth and development may improve early recognition, appropriate intervention, and future outcomes for children and young adolescents with restrictive eating disorders.

Psychiatric and medical comorbidities of eating disorders: findings from a rapid review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders (EDs) are potentially severe, complex, and life-threatening illnesses. The mortality rate of EDs is significantly elevated compared to other psychiatric conditions, primarily due to medical complications and suicide. The current rapid review aimed to summarise the literature and identify gaps in knowledge relating to any psychiatric and medical comorbidities of eating disorders.

METHODS

This paper forms part of a rapid review) series scoping the evidence base for the field of EDs, conducted to inform the Australian National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021-2031, funded and released by the Australian Government. ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline were searched for English-language studies focused on the psychiatric and medical comorbidities of EDs, published between 2009 and 2021. High-level evidence such as meta-analyses, large population studies and Randomised Control Trials were prioritised.

RESULTS

A total of 202 studies were included in this review, with 58% pertaining to psychiatric comorbidities and 42% to medical comorbidities. For EDs in general, the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities were anxiety (up to 62%), mood (up to 54%) and substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders (similar comorbidity rates up to 27%). The review also noted associations between specific EDs and non-suicidal self-injury, personality disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. EDs were complicated by medical comorbidities across the neuroendocrine, skeletal, nutritional, gastrointestinal, dental, and reproductive systems. Medical comorbidities can precede, occur alongside or emerge as a complication of the ED.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides a thorough overview of the comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions co-occurring with EDs. High psychiatric and medical comorbidity rates were observed in people with EDs, with comorbidities contributing to increased ED symptom severity, maintenance of some ED behaviours, and poorer functioning as well as treatment outcomes. Early identification and management of psychiatric and medical comorbidities in people with an ED may improve response to treatment and overall outcomes.

A Guide to the Postmortem Investigation of Starvation in Adults

ABSTRACT

Starvation is a rare cause of death in developed countries and is a complex multifaceted pathological process. To complicate the forensic investigation of starvation further, many medical conditions independent of starvation may cause wasting. This article provides one of the first comprehensive guides to the postmortem investigation of starvation in adults, with reference tables on organ-specific macroscopic and microscopic features, as well as features for excluding alternative causes of wasting. The eclectic literature on this complex topic is summarized in an accessible and easily referenced format, including mechanisms of death and ancillary postmortem investigations.

Changes in trabecular bone score and bone density in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a longitudinal study

Impaired bone health is a common complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). We aimed to assess longitudinal changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS), a measure of bone quality, in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of 41 female adolescents with AN who underwent two dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. Clinical data, including age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and DXA measurements were retrieved from the medical charts. Lumbar bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) was calculated to correct for size. Changes (Δ) in BMD, BMAD, and TBS were examined for correlations with clinical characteristics. Mean ages at the time of DXA scans were 14.8±1.9 and 16.8±2.0 years. There was a significant improvement in anthropometric parameters and DXA measurements at the second DXA scan. However, these values were still significantly lower than expected in the general population. The Δlumbar BMD Z-score was 0.3±0.7, the Δlumbar BMAD Z-score was 0.2±0.7 and the ΔTBS Z-score was 0.5±0.7. ΔTBS Z-score was positively correlated with Δheight Z-score, Δweight Z-score and ΔBMI Z-scores, and negatively correlated height Z-score, weight Z-score and TBS Z-scores at the first DXA scan (p<0.05). Δheight Z-score, ΔBMI Z-score and the progression from early to late puberty were identified as significant independent predictors of Δlumbar BMAD Z-score (p<0.05). During two years of treatment, both BMD and TBS increased significantly. Improvement in height and in weight status, and progression in puberty are predictors of improvement in BMD and TBS.

Effect of Transdermal Estradiol and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 on Bone Endpoints of Young Women With Anorexia Nervosa

CONTEXT

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is prevalent in adolescent girls and is associated with bone impairment driven by hormonal alterations in nutritional deficiency.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of estrogen replacement with and without recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1) administration on bone outcomes.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 12-month longitudinal study.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-five adolescent and young adult women with AN age 14 to 22 years. Thirty-three participants completed the study.

INTERVENTION

Transdermal 17-beta estradiol 0.1 mg/day with (i) 30 mcg/kg/dose of rhIGF-1 administered subcutaneously twice daily (AN-IGF-1+) or (ii) placebo (AN-IGF-1-). The dose of rhIGF-1 was adjusted to maintain levels in the upper half of the normal pubertal range.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Bone turnover markers and bone density, geometry, microarchitecture, and strength estimates.

RESULTS

Over 12 months, lumbar areal bone mineral density increased in AN-IGF-1- compared to AN-IGF-1+ (P = 0.004). AN-IGF-1+ demonstrated no improvement in areal BMD in the setting of variable compliance to estrogen treatment. Groups did not differ for 12-month changes in bone geometry, microarchitecture, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), or strength (and results did not change after controlling for weight changes over 12 months). Both groups had increases in radial cortical area and vBMD, and tibia cortical vBMD over 12 months. Levels of a bone resorption marker decreased in AN-IGF-1- (P = 0.042), while parathyroid hormone increased in AN-IGF-1+ (P = 0.019). AN-IGF-1- experienced irregular menses more frequently than did AN-IGF-1+, but incidence of all other adverse events did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no additive benefit of rhIGF-1 administration for 12 months over transdermal estrogen replacement alone in this cohort of young women with AN.

One Year of GH Treatment for Growth Failure in Children With Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

Children with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at risk of adult height deficit due to prolonged low height velocity (HV).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of human growth hormone (GH) injections on HV in children with AN and severe growth impairment.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center, proof-of-concept trial, children with AN and low HV (≤2 cm/year) for at least 18 months, and a bone age ≤12 years for girls and ≤14 years for boys, were randomized to receive daily subcutaneous injections of human GH (0.050 mg/kg/day) or placebo for 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in HV after 12 months.

RESULTS

In total, 8 patients were assigned to the GH group and 6 to the placebo group. Patients had a median (25th-75th percentile) HV of 1.0 (0.5;1.5) cm/year. The effect of GH treatment increased strongly after 6 months, with a height gain after 12 months of 9.65 (8.0;11.6) cm for the GH group vs 3.85 (1.7;7.3) cm for the placebo group, with an absolute median (2.5th-97.5th percentile) difference between the groups of 5.8 (-1.85;9.68) cm after bootstrapping. The percentage of patients with a HV > 5 cm/year during the study period was higher in the GH group than in the placebo group (100% vs 50%, P = 0.05). Adverse events occurred in similar numbers in the 2 groups, were mild or nonfatal, and did not lead to treatment being stopped.

CONCLUSION

GH administration to improve HV is a potentially valid option for increasing HV in children with AN and prolonged severe growth failure.

A Comprehensive Review of Complications and New Findings Associated with Anorexia Nervosa

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.

Abnormal bone mineral density and content in girls with early-onset anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Early-onset anorexia nervosa (EO-AN) represents a significant clinical burden to paediatric and mental health services. The impact of EO-AN on bone mineral abnormalities has not been thoroughly investigated due to inadequate control for pubertal status. In this study, we investigated bone mineral abnormalities in girls with EO-AN regardless of pubertal development stage.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 67 girls with EO-AN (median age = 12.4 [10.9-13.7 years]) after a median duration of disease of 1.3 [0.6-2.0] years, and 67 healthy age-, sex-, pubertal status- matched control subjects. We compared relevant bone mineral parameters between groups: the total body bone mineral density [TB-BMD], the lumbar spine BMD [LS-BMD], the total body bone mineral content [TB-BMC] and the ratio of the TB-BMC to lean body mass [TB-BMC/LBM].

RESULTS

TB-BMD, TB-BMC, LS-BMD and TB-BMC/LBM were all significantly lower in patients with AN compared to controls. In the EO-AN group, older age, later pubertal stages and higher lean body mass were associated with higher TB-BMC, TB-BMD, and LS-BMD values.

DISCUSSION

Girls with EO-AN displayed deficits in bone mineral content and density after adjustment for pubertal maturation. Age, higher pubertal stage and lean body mass were identified as determinants of bone maturation in the clinical population of patients with EO-AN. Bone health should be promoted in patients, specifically in those with an onset of disorder before 14 years old and with a delayed puberty.

Disordered Eating Among Trans-Masculine Youth: Considerations Through a Developmental Lens

As with male populations more generally, eating disorder symptom expression among trans-masculine youth is understudied. Gender minority individuals are at increased risk for eating disorders; however, culturally responsive and developmentally tailored research is limited. Although all gender minority individuals may experience elevated risk for developing eating disorders, the focus of this article is trans-masculine youth. We provide a theoretical conceptualization of eating disorder symptom expression among this understudied group, and propose novel directions for research, particularly for youth at pubertal onset. Adolescence as a critical developmental period for intervention is highlighted.

Earlier diagnosis in anorexia nervosa: better watch growth charts!

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of the healthcare pathway of children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) may contribute to earlier detection and better disease management. Here we measured and compared the symptomatic time to diagnosis (TTD) (time between the first symptoms, as reported by parents, and the diagnosis) and the auxological TTD (time between the deviation in the weight growth curve and the diagnosis).

METHODS

We performed a monocentric retrospective study including all patients age 9 years to 16 years who were hospitalized in Nantes University Hospital for AN between 2013 and 2016. We analysed the two TTDs by medical record review and growth curve investigation. TTDs were described by medians and Kaplan-Meier curves. Two profiles of patients were compared according to the kinetics of growth deviation and the occurrence of symptoms.

RESULTS

Among the 137 patients included, the median symptomatic and auxological TTDs was 7.0 months (IQR: 4.0-12.0) and 7.2 months (IQR: 2.0-18.0). TTDs were significantly different but clinically similar. For 48% of the patients, a deviation in the growth curve could have been noted at a median of 9.7 months (IQR: 3.0-18.0) before the first symptoms were reported by parents. Those patients showed significantly slower weight loss than did patients with first symptoms reported before growth deviation (weight loss rate 0.41% vs 1.90% per month, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Careful study of growth curves remains an essential step in detecting eating disorders, possibly allowing for earlier detection of the disease in nearly half of these patients.

[Fractures and bone mineral density in childhood]

BACKGROUND

In juvenile idiopathic arthritis and related chronic inflammatory diseases, proinflammatory cytokines inhibit bone formation and stimulate bone resorption. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as glucocorticoids and nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs (NSARD) have as a side effect the potential to inhibit growth and maintenance of bone. These issues are of particular importance for the growing skeleton in childhood and adolescence.

OBJECTIVE

This article presents a narrative overview about the dimension of the problem, a critical evaluation of diagnostic procedures and a discussion of available countermeasures.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out and the available evidence was evaluated based on the authors' knowledge and clinical experience as experts in the field.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In recent years solid data have been accumulated with respect to the interpretation of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in children and adolescents. Based on these data from the literature and given that the radiation exposure is also very low, it is now possible to clinically apply BMD measurements in this population using dual energy X‑ray absorption (DXA) technology for risk evaluation and diagnosis, taking the respective phase of development and body length into consideration. Dynamic measurements over time appear to be especially valuable in the context of individual clinical data. Hence, BMD measurements can be helpful in monitoring bone health, especially in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other related inflammatory diseases. Apart from the specific indications for extended diagnostics and bone targeted pharmacological treatment, this method can also contribute to the management of preventive measures, such as sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake and targeted exercise interventions. Even in times of extremely effective antirheumatic drugs, children with chronic inflammatory diseases still bear a risk for bone health.

Osteoporosis recovery in severe anorexia nervosa: a case report

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis represents a common and severe complication in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) that normally persists despite weight restoration and the resumption of regular menses. The condition may result in significant pain, injury, and disability.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the only published case of a complete return to normal bone density following many years of severe osteoporosis in a severely malnourished patient with AN. We describe a patient with severe and enduring AN whose osteoporosis, with resultant fractures, was completely reversed. Available patient records, imaging, and laboratory data were evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

This case represents a common yet often improperly treated complication of AN. It demonstrates the potential important clinical role that targeted medicines coupled with a multifaceted supplementation and lifestyle interventions, may have for some very malnourished patients with AN. Medications, in the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with severe AN, may decrease fracture risk, enhance overall bone density, and contribute to an improved quality of life.