Micronutrient Status in 153 Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

Xeropthalmia and optic neuropathy secondary to ARFID: a case report

BACKGROUND

Patients with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) commonly present with loss of weight or faltering growth in the setting of poor nutrition. However, patients with ARFID can present with micronutrient deficiencies without weight loss. In patients with ARFID, clinicians should be vigilant for micronutrient deficiencies and their presentations.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a unique case of ARFID in a twelve-year-old girl, who developed micronutrient deficiencies and presented with acute visual loss with a preceding history of impaired night vision. Ophthalmic examination revealed xerophthalmia and bilateral optic neuropathy. Investigations showed severe Vitamin A and folate deficiencies which accounted for her clinical findings. In addition, she was also found to have low Vitamin B12, copper, and Vitamin D levels. She had a history of selective eating from a young age with a diet consisting largely of carbohydrates, with no regular intake of meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables. This was not driven by weight or body image concerns. The patient's symptoms improved significantly with appropriate vitamin replacement and continued multidisciplinary care.

CONCLUSIONS

This report describes a patient with ARFID presenting with visual complaints. In this case, the selective eating behaviours resulted in xeropthalmia and optic neuropathy. Micronutrient deficiencies are uncommon in developed countries. When these deficiencies are suspected, eating disorders, such as ARFID, should be considered. Similarly, clinicians caring for patients with restrictive eating disorders including ARFID should be familiar with the clinical presentations of various micronutrient deficiencies and consider evaluation and treatment for micronutrient deficiencies when clinically indicated.

Thyroid dysfunction due to trace element deficiency-not only selenium but also zinc

INTRODUCTION

Levels of serum selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) decrease when total parental nutrition (TPN) is administered without trace element supplementation for just a few weeks. These trace elements are involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and their deficiencies cause thyroid dysfunction. However, there have been few reports on the details of its clinical course.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 50-year-old man presented with thyroid dysfunction due to Se and Zn deficiency. He had an approximately 70-cm residual small intestine after undergoing intestinal resection and he received TPN without trace element supplementation for one and a half months. Blood tests revealed high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) and low levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3). An abnormal pattern of thyroid function led to suspicion of Se deficiency. Se supplementation raised FT3 levels and lowered FT4 levels to within their respective reference ranges; however, subclinical hypothyroidism persisted with transient TSH elevation. We suspected that Zn deficiency also contributed to the hypothyroidism and, therefore, initiated Zn supplementation, which resulted in normalization of thyroid function.

DISCUSSION

Although thyroid dysfunction has been reported in many studies conducted on Se and Zn deficiencies, hormonal patterns vary between reports. Further accumulation of cases, including detailed data on nutritional status, would be of benefit to elucidate the clinical reality.

CONCLUSION

It is important to consider Se and Zn deficiencies when TSH and FT4 levels are elevated. It should also be noted that transient TSH elevation may be observed with Se supplementation.

The Impact of Clinical Factors, Vitamin B12 and Total Cholesterol on Severity of Anorexia Nervosa: A Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study

Severe forms of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) are characterized by medical complications, psychiatric comorbidity, and high mortality. This study investigated potential associations between clinical/biological factors and the severity of AN, measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI). Red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, iron, vitamins D and B12, folate, and total cholesterol were measured in a mixed sample of 78 inpatients and outpatients. Linear regressions and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were carried out to evaluate the relationship between BMI and clinical/biochemical variables. BMI was significantly lower in hospitalized patients (F = 4.662; p = 0.034) and in those under pharmacological treatment (F = 5.733; p = 0.019) or poly-therapy (F = 5.635; p = 0.021). Higher vitamin B12 (β = -0.556, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (β = -0.320, p = 0.027), and later age at onset (with a trend towards significance) (β = -0.376, p = 0.058) were associated with a lower BMI. Increased total cholesterol and vitamin B12, later age at onset, current pharmacological treatment, and poly-therapy might be distinctive in patients with a lower BMI. In clinical practice, these findings may contribute to the early identification of AN patients at higher risk of developing complicated or chronic forms of the disorder. Further studies on larger samples are needed to identify potential predictive factors of AN severity in the framework of precision medicine.

Novel ketamine and zinc treatment for anorexia nervosa and the potential beneficial interactions with the gut microbiome

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe illness with diverse aetiological and maintaining contributors including neurobiological, metabolic, psychological, and social determining factors. In addition to nutritional recovery, multiple psychological and pharmacological therapies and brain-based stimulations have been explored; however, existing treatments have limited efficacy. This paper outlines a neurobiological model of glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic dysfunction, exacerbated by chronic gut microbiome dysbiosis and zinc depletion at a brain and gut level. The gut microbiome is established early in development, and early exposure to stress and adversity contribute to gut microbial disturbance in AN, early dysregulation to glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, interoceptive impairment, and inhibited caloric harvest from food (e.g., zinc malabsorption, competition for zinc ions between gut bacteria and host). Zinc is a key part of glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, and also affects leptin and gut microbial function; systems dysregulated in AN. Low doses of ketamine in conjunction with zinc, could provide an efficacious combination to act on NMDA receptors and normalise glutamatergic, GABAergic and gut function in AN.

Food avoidance in anorexia nervosa: associated and predicting factors

PURPOSE

Qualitative food avoidance is a significant issue in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and restoring diet diversity is an important part of the treatment process. We aimed to identify clinical factors which drive food avoidance and predict its maintenance in patients with AN.

METHODS

In this multicentre longitudinal study, 130 female outpatients with AN were assessed before and after 4 months of care in clinical centres specialized in AN. We assessed levels of avoidance of 16 food items, as well as body mass index (BMI), eating disorder severity, symptoms of depression and anxiety, emotional state, daily-life functioning, and body image perception.

RESULTS

We found that qualitative food avoidance was associated with the clinical severity of AN, anxiety and mood dimensions, and BMI- and body image-related factors. A younger age at onset predicted the maintenance of food avoidance after 4 months of treatment. Additional exploratory analyses suggested that anxiety and negative affect caused food avoidance more than the opposite.

CONCLUSION

Qualitative food avoidance can be an indicator of illness severity. During treatment, focusing on reducing anxiety and negative affect may be a way to indirectly reduce food avoidance and restore diet diversity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Selenium deficiency is associated with disease severity, disrupted reward processing, and increased suicide risk in patients with Anorexia Nervosa

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) present many nutritional deficiencies (macro- and often also micro-nutrients), possibly explained by their inadequate food intake. Previous studies reported that selenium (Se) deficiency is common in the general population. As Se can be easily added as a supplement, the goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of Se deficiency in patients with AN.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study concerned 153 patients with AN (92.9% women) followed at the Eating Disorder Unit of Lapeyronie Academic Hospital, Montpellier, France. Patients underwent an extensive neuropsychological assessment, and completed validated questionnaires. Blood samples were collected for Se quantification. Results were compared with the t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi square tests, and univariate linear and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Se plasma levels were below the cut-off of 80 µg/L in 53.6% (N = 82) of patients. AN onset was earlier in patients with Se deficiency, (p = .005), whereas disease duration was comparable between groups (p = .77). General eating disorder symptomatology in the past 28 days (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire) was more severe in patients with Se deficiency (p = .010). The suicide risk (MINI International Neuropsychiatric Evaluation) tended to be higher (p = .037), and suicide attempt history was more frequent (28.39% vs 9.85%, p = .004) in patients with low Se levels. Se plasma concentration was negatively correlated with the performance in the temporal delayed discounting task (p = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that in patients with AN, Se plasma concentration might be implicated in disease severity and suicide risk. The finding that Se deficiency in patients with AN was associated only with reward-related processes, but not with other psychological functions suggests the selective involvement of dopamine-related pathways. Our results suggest that it might be useful to monitor the plasma micronutrient profile in patients with AN. Future studies should determine whether Se supplementation in AN might improve clinical outcomes.

Shedding light on biological sex differences and microbiota-gut-brain axis: a comprehensive review of its roles in neuropsychiatric disorders

Women and men are suggested to have differences in vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), schizophrenia, eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa, neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease. Genetic factors and sex hormones are apparently the main mediators of these differences. Recent evidence uncovers that reciprocal interactions between sex-related features (e.g., sex hormones and sex differences in the brain) and gut microbiota could play a role in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders via influencing the gut–brain axis. It is increasingly evident that sex–microbiota–brain interactions take part in the occurrence of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Accordingly, integrating the existing evidence might help to enlighten the fundamental roles of these interactions in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, an increased understanding of the biological sex differences on the microbiota–brain may lead to advances in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and increase the potential for precision medicine. This review discusses the effects of sex differences on the brain and gut microbiota and the putative underlying mechanisms of action. Additionally, we discuss the consequences of interactions between sex differences and gut microbiota on the emergence of particular neuropsychiatric disorders.

The human microbiome is a unique set of organisms affecting health via the gut–brain axis.

Neuropsychiatric disorders, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders are regulated by the microbiota–gut–brain axis in a sex-specific manner.

Understanding the role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis and its sex differences in various diseases can lead to better therapeutic methods.

Bone mineral density and oxidative stress in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa

Oxidative stress appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis-a serious complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). We evaluated the oxidative status in adolescent girls with AN and its potential relationship with bone mineral density (BMD). Girls with AN (n = 43) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 20) underwent anthropometric and BMD examination. Markers of bone turnover, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status were measured. Participants with AN and controls did not differ in BMD at the lumbar spine (p = 0.17) and total body less head BMD (p = 0.08). BMD at the total hip was lower (p < 0.001) in the AN group compared with the controls. Levels of antioxidant status markers-ferric reduction antioxidant power, total antioxidant capacity, and reduced and oxidized glutathione ratio (all p < 0.001)-were significantly lower, whereas those of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), fructosamines, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (all p < 0.001) were higher in AN patients than in healthy controls. BMD and bone turnover markers were positively correlated with antioxidant status markers, while they were negatively correlated with AOPP, fructosamines, and AGEs levels.  Conclusion: This is the first study to assess a potential association between oxidative status and BMD in adolescents with AN. We demonstrated that in young girls, the imbalance of oxidative status and reduced BMD are concurrently manifested at the time of the diagnosis of AN. Disturbance of oxidative status could play a pathogenetic role in AN-associated decreased BMD. What is Known: • Osteoporosis is a serious complication of AN, and in affected adolescents may result in a permanent deficit in bone mass. • Oxidative and carbonyl stress may be involved in the development of bone loss. What is New: • Adolescents girls with AN have impaired antioxidant defense and increased oxidative damage to biomolecules. • Disturbance of oxidative status could affect bone loss and could contribute to decreased BMD in adolescent females with AN.

Developmental Considerations for the Use of Naltrexone in Children and Adolescents

Naltrexone (NTX) is a well-tolerated drug with a wide safety margin and mechanism of action that affords use across a wide variety of indications in adults and children. By antagonizing the opioid reward system, NTX can modulate behaviors that involve compulsivity or impulsivity, such as substance use, obesity, and eating disorders. Evidence regarding the disposition and efficacy of NTX is mainly derived from adult studies of substance use disorders and considerable variability exists. Developmental changes, plausible disease-specific alterations and genetic polymorphisms in NTX disposition, and pharmacodynamic pathways should be taken into consideration when optimizing the use of NTX in the pediatric population. This review highlights the current state of the evidence and gaps in knowledge regarding NTX to facilitate evidence-based pharmacotherapy of mental health conditions, for which few pharmacologic options exist.

The impact of maternal eating disorders on breastfeeding practices: a systematic review

Breastfeeding is an effective way to protect and promote the health of the infant and mother. Cultural, social, economic, medical, or psychological factors might interfere with successful breastfeeding. Therefore, maternal eating disorders (EDs) may have detrimental effects on the decision of breastfeeding initiation and on its continuation. There is limited knowledge about the breastfeeding practices of mothers with EDs. We performed a systematic review to generate more evidence in this area. A search was conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO, and several journals were hand searched for relevant publications. Of N = 3904 hits, 13 full texts were included in the qualitative analysis. The findings on total duration of BF between mothers with and without EDs were mixed, but women with EDs showed more negative experiences and emotional problems during BF. There was not enough evidence to conclude on breastfeeding initiation, or on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Maternal EDs might have a negative impact on BF practices with possible negative effects on the maternal-child feeding environment. Further studies with comparable data and information on the women's partners' attitudes about breastfeeding are needed.

The Combined Usage of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria and Controlling Nutrition Status Score in Acute Care Hospitals

INTRODUCTION

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) lacks reliable blood tests for evaluating the nutrition status. We retrospectively compared the GLIM criteria, Controlling Nutrition Status (CONUT) score, and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) to establish effective malnutrition screening and provide appropriate nutritional interventions according to severity.

METHODS

We classified 177 patients into 3 malnutrition categories (normal/mild, moderate, and severe) according to the GLIM criteria, CONUT score, and SGA. We investigated the malnutrition prevalence, concordance of malnutrition severity, predictability of clinical outcome, concordance by etiology, and clinical outcome by inflammation.

RESULTS

The highest prevalence of malnutrition was found using the GLIM criteria (87.6%). Concordance of malnutrition severity was low between the GLIM criteria and CONUT score. Concordance by etiology was low in all groups but was the highest in the "acute disease" group. The area under the curve of clinical outcome and that of the "with inflammation group" were significantly higher when using the CONUT score versus using the other tools (0.679 and 0.683, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The GLIM criteria have high sensitivity, while the CONUT score can effectively predict the clinical outcome of malnutrition. Their combined use can efficiently screen for malnutrition and patient severity in acute care hospitals.

The Synergistic Effects of a Complementary Physiotherapeutic Scheme in the Psychological and Nutritional Treatment in a Teenage Girl with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Anxiety Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that can affect the physical and mental health of children and adolescents, often leading to anxiety disorders with chronic activation of the hypothalamic axis (HPA). Moreover, a great proportion of adolescents with T1DM also demonstrate anorexia nervosa (AN), due to the increased preoccupation with food and the need to have an acceptable body image. Herein is described the first case study of an adolescent patient diagnosed with T1DM, anxiety disorder (AD), and AN. A 14-year-old girl with T1DM since the age of 12 years presented weight loss at age 13 years and 3 months and low body mass index (BMI), which did not improve despite dietary recommendations and adequate disease control. Additionally, she presented menstrual disorders at the age of 12 years and 11 months (menstrual age 12 years and 1 month). A psychological evaluation of the teenager was conducted using a semi-structured interview that assessed perceived stress, health status, quality of life, and depression. AD and AN were diagnosed and the patient initiated an intervention focusing on psychological health and nutrition and which incorporated physiotherapeutic relaxation sessions and breathing exercises. After 3 months of treatment, the patient’s BMI was increased, and a normal menstrual cycle was apparent. These results have since remained consistent. Stress leads to the appearance of AN and menstrual disorders. Therefore, physiotherapeutic programs could reduce stress and effectively ameliorate AN and AD.

Pharmacological treatment of eating disorders, comorbid mental health problems, malnutrition and physical health consequences

The pharmacological treatment of patients with an eating disorder (ED) often includes medications to treat their ED, comorbid mental health problems, malnutrition and the physical health problems resulting from it. The currently approved pharmacological treatment options for EDs are limited to fluoxetine for bulimia nervosa (BN) and - in some countries - lisdexamfetamine for binge eating disorder (BED). Thus, there are no approved pharmacological options for anorexia nervosa (AN), even though study results for olanzapine and dronabinol are promising. Topiramate might be an additional future option for the treatment of BN and BED. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), mirtazapine and bupropion could be considered for the treatment of comorbid unipolar depression. However, AN and BN are contraindications for bupropion. For ED patients with a manic episode, we recommend olanzapine in AN and risperidone in BN and BED; whereas for bipolar depression, olanzapine (plus fluoxetine) seems appropriate in AN and lamotrigine in BN and BED. Acute anxiety or suicidality may warrant benzodiazepine treatment with lorazepam. Proton-pump inhibitors, gastroprokinetic drugs, laxatives and hormones can alleviate certain physical health problems caused by EDs. Therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacogenomic testing, a more restrictive use of "pro re nata" (PRN) medication, an interdisciplinary treatment approach, shared decision making (SDM) and the formulation of common treatment goals by the patients, their family or carers and clinicians could improve treatment success and safety. Novel genetic, immunological, microbiome and brain imaging research as well as new pharmacological developments like the use of psychedelics, stimulants, novel monoaminergic drugs, hormone analogues and drugs which enhance the effects of psychotherapy may extend our therapeutic options in the near future.

Might Starvation-Induced Adaptations in Muscle Mass, Muscle Morphology and Muscle Function Contribute to the Increased Urge for Movement and to Spontaneous Physical Activity in Anorexia Nervosa?

Severely undernourished and underweight anorexia nervosa (AN) patients typically remain active and mobile. Might such persistent physical activity in AN be supported by specific adaptations in muscle tissue during long term undernutrition? To identify potential differences, studies examining the effects of undernutrition on skeletal muscle mass, muscle morphology and muscle function in healthy humans and in AN patients were reviewed. Adjustments in muscle morphology and function in AN did not differ in substance from those in healthy humans, undernourished people, or undergoing semi-starvation. Loss of muscle mass, changes in muscle contractility and atrophy of muscle fibers (predominantly type II fibers) characterized both groups. Muscle innervation was unaffected. Work capacity in men in semi-starvation experiments and in females with AN declined by about 70% and 50%, respectively. Perceptions of fatigue and effort distinguished the groups: signs of general weakness, tiring quickly and avoidance of physical activity that were recorded in semi-starvation were not reported for AN patients. The absence of distinctive starvation-related adjustments in skeletal muscle in AN suggests that new methods, such as muscle gene expression profiles in response to deficient nutrient intake, and better knowledge of the central regulatory circuitries contributing to motor urgency will be required to shed light on the persistent mobility in AN patients.

The effect of underweight on female and male reproduction

Chronic energy deficiency can impair the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and lead to hypothalamic anovulation in underweight women. This review presents the syndromes related to underweight status that are associated with infertility, summarizes the underlying mechanisms, and reviews the available treatment options. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa (AN), constitute the most common cause of infertility in underweight women, who, in addition, experience miscarriages, and sexual dysfunction. The relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S; former terminology: athlete's triad) involves menstrual dysfunction due to low energy availability, which results in anovulation. Moreover, lipodystrophies, malnutrition, starvation, systematic illnesses (malignancies, endocrinopathies, infectious diseases, advanced chronic diseases, neurologic illnesses), and the utilization of drugs can cause excessive weight loss. They may result in fertility problems due to the loss of adipose tissue and the subsequent hormonal disturbances. Each of these conditions requires multidisciplinary management. Nutritional counseling should target the restoration of energy balance by increasing intake and reducing output. Medical treatment, recommended only for patients who did not respond to standard treatment, may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, or leptin administration. Finally, psychiatric treatment is considered an integral part of the standard treatment.

Thiamine Deficiency in Adolescents with Eating Disorders: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Pediatric eating disorders (PED) patients are prone to nutritional deficiencies. Thiamine deficiency is well described in other malnutrition states but is not routinely screened for in PED. In the current study we evaluated the prevalence of thiamine deficiency among PED patients on their first admission to an outpatient day hospital for eating disorders (DH). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we measured whole blood thiamine pyrophosphate concentrations (TPP) in addition to a routine laboratory workup in 69 girls on their first admission to DH. Two subgroup analyses were performed: (I) Patients with a previous dietary intervention (“diet” group, n = 30) or naïve-to-treatment patients (“naïve” group, n = 39) and (II) Type of PED: Restrictive (group R, n = 44) or binge-eating/purging (group BP, n = 25). Results: Thiamine deficiency was identified in four girls (6%), all in the “naïve” group. Three of them had BP, and one had R. Patients in the “diet” group had a significantly higher TPP compared to the “naïve” group (55.5 µg/L vs. 46.7 µg/L, p = 0.004). TPP levels returned to normal after two weeks of the treatment program in all deficient patients. Conclusion: Thiamine deficiency was uncommon among PED patients and was easily replenished. Screening for deficiency should be performed among treatment-naïve patients. Keynotes: Whole blood thiamine pyrophosphate concentrations (TPP) are seldom screened for among PED patients. In the current study, we detected thiamine deficiency in only 6% of patients on their first admission to an outpatient day hospital for eating disorders. All deficient patients did not have a recent dietary intervention. We recommend considering screening for thiamine deficiency in treatment-naïve PED patients.

Eating Disorders During Gestation: Implications for Mother's Health, Fetal Outcomes, and Epigenetic Changes

Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) have increased globally in women of childbearing age, related to the concern for body shape promoted in industrialized countries. Pregnancy may exacerbate a previous ED or conversely may be a chance for improving eating patterns due to the mother's concern for the unborn baby. EDs may impact pregnancy evolution and increase the risk of adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, poor fetal growth, or malformations, but the knowledge on this topic is limited. Methods: We performed a systematic review of studies on humans in order to clarify the mechanisms underpinning the adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with EDs. Results: Although unfavorable fetal development could be multifactorial, maternal malnutrition, altered hormonal pathways, low pre-pregnancy body mass index, and poor gestational weight gain, combined with maternal psychopathology and stress, may impair the evolution of pregnancy. Environmental factors such as malnutrition or substance of abuse may also induce epigenetic changes in the fetal epigenome, which mark lifelong health concerns in offspring. Conclusions: The precocious detection of dysfunctional eating behaviors in the pre-pregnancy period and an early multidisciplinary approach comprised of nutritional support, psychotherapeutic techniques, and the use of psychotropics if necessary, would prevent lifelong morbidity for both mother and fetus. Further prospective studies with large sample sizes are needed in order to design a structured intervention during every stage of pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Reconceptualizing anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder. Treatments are often ineffective and relapse is common. Most research attempting to understand the underlying causes and maintenance factors of AN has focused on environmental contributions, yet there is much to be explored in terms of biological risk and maintenance factors. In this paper, we focus primarily on AN research related to genetics and the complex microbial community in the gut (intestinal microbiota), and how these impact our conceptualization of this disorder. Emerging research identifying significant negative genetic correlations between AN and obesity suggests that the conditions may represent 'metabolic bookends'. The identification of underlying biological mechanisms may provide both insight into extreme weight dysregulation on both ends of the spectrum and new possible points of entry for AN treatment. Additionally, the reported microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) in the gut microbiota in AN patients, potentially due to a nutrient- and energy-deprived gut environment, implies alterations in functional and metabolic capacity of the gut microbiome. The extent to which AN and obesity can also be considered to be 'microbiome bookends' requires further investigation. Finally, we discuss ongoing and future AN projects exploring the interplay between host genomics, the environment, and cumulative microbial genomes (microbiome) as well as interventions at the microbial and gut level.

An update on the medical consequences of anorexia nervosa

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa is associated with the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, mainly caused by medical complications.The purpose of this article is to review the common medical consequences of anorexia nervosa focusing on the special considerations related to children and adolescents and recent updates on the pathophysiology of these complications and their prognosis significance.

RECENT FINDINGS

The main findings were related to the diagnostic and prognostic value of hypokalaemia, QTc prolongation, hypoglycaemia and orthostatic changes. A new modality to evaluate the heart in anorexia nervosa was explored (2DSTE) as well. Bone mineral density (BMD) loss is one of the few nonreversible consequences of anorexia nervosa. BMD loss does not seem to be significantly related to sex or to cut-off low-weight parameters in teenagers with anorexia nervosa, but rather to the amount of weight loss they have experienced. Brain volume deficits might be another irreversible complication in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

SUMMARY

It is crucial for any healthcare provider to be informed about the medical consequences of anorexia nervosa, not only because they can be devastating, but also because they can play an essential role in motivating patients to get treated.

Micronutrients Deficiencies in 374 Severely Malnourished Anorexia Nervosa Inpatients

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder, which can lead to specific somatic complications. Undernutrition is a major diagnostic criteria of AN which can be associated with several micronutrients deficiencies. Objectives: This study aimed to determinate the prevalence of micronutrients deficiencies and to compare the differences between the two subtypes of AN (restricting type (AN-R) and binge-eating/purging type (AN-BP)). Methods: We report a large retrospective, monocentric study of patients hospitalized in a highly specialized nutrition unit between January 2011 and August 2017 for severe malnutrition treatment in the context of anorexia nervosa. Results: Three hundred and seventy-four patients (360 (96%) women, 14 (4%) men), age: 31.3 ± 12.9 years, Body Mass Index (BMI): 12.5 ± 1.7 kg/m² were included; 253 (68%) patients had AN-R subtype while, 121 (32%) had AN-BP. Zinc had the highest deficiency prevalence 64.3%, followed by vitamin D (54.2%), copper (37.1%), selenium (20.5%), vitamin B1 (15%), vitamin B12 (4.7%), and vitamin B9 (8.9%). Patients with AN-BP type had longer disease duration, were older, and had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.001, p = 0.029, p = 0.009), when compared with AN-R type, patients who instead, had significantly higher Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels (p < 0.001, p < 0.021). In the AN-BP subgroup, as compared to AN-R, lower selenium (p < 0.001) and vitamin B12 plasma concentration (p < 0.036) were observed, whereas lower copper plasma concentration was observed in patients with AN-R type (p < 0.022). No significant differences were observed for zinc, vitamin B9, vitamin D, and vitamin B1 concentrations between the two types of AN patients. Conclusion: Severely malnourished AN patients have many micronutrient deficiencies. Differences between AN subtypes are identified. Micronutrients status of AN patients should be monitored and supplemented to prevent deficiencies related complications and to improve nutritional status. Prospective studies are needed to explore the symptoms and consequences of each deficiency, which can aggravate the prognosis during recovery.

Medication in AN: A Multidisciplinary Overview of Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews

Drugs are widely prescribed for anorexia nervosa in the nutritional, somatic, and psychiatric fields. There is no systematic overview in the literature, which simultaneously covers all these types of medication. The main aims of this paper are (1) to offer clinicians an overview of the evidence-based data in the literature concerning the medication (psychotropic drugs and medication for somatic and nutritional complications) in the field of anorexia nervosa since the 1960s, (2) to draw practical conclusions for everyday practise and future research. Searches were performed on three online databases, namely MEDLINE, Epistemonikos and Web of Science. Papers published between September 2011 and January 2019 were considered. Evidence-based data were identified from meta-analyses, if there were none, from systematic reviews, and otherwise from trials (randomized or if not open-label studies). Evidence-based results are scarce. No psychotropic medication has proved efficacious in terms of weight gain, and there is only weak data suggesting it can alleviate certain psychiatric symptoms. Concerning nutritional and somatic conditions, while there is no specific, approved medication, it seems essential not to neglect the interest of innovative therapeutic strategies to treat multi-organic comorbidities. In the final section we discuss how to use these medications in the overall approach to the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Chronotropic incompetence to exercise in anorexia nervosa patients during the body-weight recovery phase as an index of insufficient treatment

Resting bradycardia is an important symptom for early diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN) during weight loss, and it improves with body-weight recovery. However, chronotropic incompetence (CI) in exercise is observed in some patients with AN despite amelioration of resting bradycardia in the recovery phase. We examined the relationship between CI in exercise and other parameters in patients with AN during the recovery phase. Ninety-two girls with AN (aged 13-20 years, median 15 years) performed cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance tests with a bicycle ergometer in the post-treatment recovery phase. Subjects with a peak-heart rate (HR) of < 160 beats/min (bpm) on subjective maximum loading were assigned to the CI+ group (n = 7), and those with a peak-HR of ≥ 160 bpm were assigned to the CI- group (n = 85). The peak-oxygen uptake (VO₂) of both groups was below the normal range. Although there was no difference in peak-VO₂ between these groups, both the resting-HR and ΔHR (peak-HR - resting-HR) were significantly lower in the CI+ group than in the CI- group (82 ± 8 vs. 93 ± 16 bpm, respectively; 72 ± 14 vs. 89 ± 13 bpm, respectively), suggesting lower exercise tolerance in patients with CI during the recovery phase of AN. Interestingly, the ΔVO₂/ΔHR value was higher in the CI+ group than in the CI- group (0.31 ± 0.13 vs. 0.26 ± 0.06, respectively), suggesting excessive stroke volume for maintaining the cardiac output in patients with CI during their recovery phase. These data suggest that CI could be an index of insufficient recovery of AN and utilized for ideal exercise treatments of patients with AN during the recovery phase.

Directly measured free 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels show no evidence of vitamin D deficiency in young Swedish women with anorexia nervosa

PURPOSE

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by low fat mass complicated by osteoporosis. The role of circulating vitamin D in the development of bone loss in AN is unclear. Fat mass is known to be inversely associated with vitamin D levels measured as serum levels of total, protein-bound 25-hydroxyvitamin D, but the importance of directly measured, free levels of 25(OH)D has not been determined in AN. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin D status, as assessed by serum concentrations of total and free serum 25(OH)D in patients with AN and healthy controls.

METHODS

In female AN patients (n = 20), and healthy female controls (n = 78), total 25(OH)D was measured by LC-MS/MS, and free 25(OH)D with ELISA. In patients with AN bone mineral density (BMD) was determined with DEXA.

RESULTS

There were no differences between patients and controls in total or free S-25(OH)D levels (80 ± 31 vs 72 ± 18 nmol/L, and 6.5 ± 2.5 vs 5.6 ± 1.8 pg/ml, respectively), and no association to BMD was found. In the entire group of patients and controls, both vitamin D parameters correlated with BMI, leptin, and PTH.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study did not demonstrate a vitamin D deficiency in patients with AN and our data does not support vitamin D deficiency as a contributing factor to bone loss in AN. Instead, we observed a trend toward higher vitamin D levels in AN subjects compared to controls. Measurement of free vitamin D levels did not contribute to additional information.

Structural Neuroimaging of Anorexia Nervosa: Future Directions in the Quest for Mechanisms Underlying Dynamic Alterations

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and extreme weight loss. Pseudoatrophic brain changes are often readily visible in individual brain scans, and AN may be a valuable model disorder to study structural neuroplasticity. Structural magnetic resonance imaging studies have found reduced gray matter volume and cortical thinning in acutely underweight patients to normalize following successful treatment. However, some well-controlled studies have found regionally greater gray matter and persistence of structural alterations following long-term recovery. Findings from diffusion tensor imaging studies of white matter integrity and connectivity are also inconsistent. Furthermore, despite the severity of AN, the number of existing structural neuroimaging studies is still relatively low, and our knowledge of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms for macrostructural brain changes is rudimentary. We critically review the current state of structural neuroimaging in AN and discuss the potential neurobiological basis of structural brain alterations in the disorder, highlighting impediments to progress, recent developments, and promising future directions. In particular, we argue for the utility of more standardized data collection, adopting a connectomics approach to understanding brain network architecture, employing advanced magnetic resonance imaging methods that quantify biomarkers of brain tissue microstructure, integrating data from multiple imaging modalities, strategic longitudinal observation during weight restoration, and large-scale data pooling. Our overarching objective is to motivate carefully controlled research of brain structure in eating disorders, which will ultimately help predict therapeutic response and improve treatment.