Purpose The aim of the study was to determine the extent of changes in circumferential measurements taken at various localizations before, during and after in-patient treatment in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their relation to BMI. Furthermore, we analyzed a possible impact of these values on long-term prognosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of 269 patients (258 females, 11 males) with anorexia nervosa treated between 1999 and 2013 at a single institution by a 6-weeks quick refeeding therapy cycle. A complete set of data was available from 230 patients. BMI and 13 circumferential measuring points at the trunk and the extremities were monitored every day and at follow-up. Results 229 out of the total collective (85.13 %) had a favourable outcome with restored, stable weight after a mean observation time of 138 +- 52 months. All measuring parameters showed a highly significant increase from admission to end of treatment cycle (p < 0.0001 for each parameter. The highest gain expressed as percent of the value at admission was achieved in BMI, followed by girth of thigh. Measurements at the end of term of thorax, waist, upper arm and thigh correlated with a favourable prognosis. A thigh circumference >50 cm was significantly connected to BMI>18 and a beneficial outcome. Conclusions The highest gain in circumference during refeeding was found at the thigh. A thigh circumference greater than 50 if achieved after the first refeeding cycle was significantly linked to BMI >=18 and was a predictor of a favourable long-term course. Level of evidence Level II, comparative study
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.