Incomplete Total Body Protein Recovery in Adolescent Patients With Anorexia Nervosa

Charite University, Berlin, Germany154 enrolled

Overview

The study aimed to assess protein accretion during weight gain in adolescent patients with Anorexia nervosa

Background: Bone health and growth during adolescence require adequate Total Body Protein (TBPr). Re-nutrition for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) should aim to normalize body composition, i.e. recovery of fat mass and TBPr. Objective: The study intended to analyze predictors of protein status, including exercise status, in adolescents with AN, and to investigate whether weight gain would replete body protein deficits. Methods: The investigators assessed TBPr in a longitudinal, observational study as height-adjusted nitrogen index (NI) using in-vivo neutron activation analysis in adolescents with AN at the commencement of refeeding (T0), as well as seven months thereafter (T1), and in age-matched normal weight controls. Lean tissue and fat mass were assessed with Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA). BMI, BMI-SDS and lean tissue mass were tested as predictors of protein status using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

154

Conditions

Anorexia Nervosa

Interventions

Inpatient treatment for Anorexia nervosaOTHER

Nutritional rehabilitation in a clinic with specialized eating disorder service

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 12 YearsMax age: 19 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Patient Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (DSM-IV) * aged 12 - 19 years * female gender Patient Exclusion Criteria: \- existence of a further disease with effect on body composition Controls: * no known disease * normal weight