A study of bone density change in patients with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

In patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) several factors combine to cause osteoporosis, and the risk of osteoporosis increases with chronicity of illness. The authors carried out a follow-up study in patients who attended the Eating Disorders department of the Hospital de Santa Maria. The average follow-up period was of 7.6 years. Fifteen patients were included. Patients answered clinical history questions and underwent neck of femur and spine densitometry. The most important variable with negative correlations to bone recovery was disease duration. A positive correlation between bone recovery and time since the first menstrual cycle post-amenorrhea was also found. However, AN is a condition in which once weight improves and menstrual cycles become regular, severe damage to bone structure is still likely to be maintained.

Oral Health and Bone Density in Adolescents and Young Women with Anorexia Nervosa

“…Both subtypes can have serious medical consequences, including effects on both bone and oral health. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Previous studies suggest that a low bone mass is common in adolescent girls and young women with AN and that it may occur early in the course of their disease, compromising peak bone mass. As a result, AN may increase the risk for osteoporosis and fracture throughout life.…”

“…As a result, AN may increase the risk for osteoporosis and fracture throughout life. 2,3 Unlike many healthcare practitioners, dentists and dental hygienists typically see patients on a regular basis, and often for the duration of a child or adolescent's lifetime. Therefore, these providers have the unique opportunity to be the first to detect clinical evidence of an eating disorder.…”

“…2,[10][11][12] Carmo et al 3 found that while the severity of low BMD was dependent on the duration of amenorrhea, even with resumption of regular menstrual cycles and normalization of a healthy weight, some patients continue to have a low bone density. A major obstacle to combating bone loss is the failure to identify individuals with the condition until the clinical consequences have occurred.…”

Bone Mass in Anorexia Nervosa and Thin Postmenopausal Women-Related Secondary Amenorrhea

“…The average follow-up period was of 7.6 years. The most important variable with negative correlations to bone mass recovery was disease duration (do Carmo et al, 2007). A positive correlation between bone mass recovery and the return of regular menstrual cycle was evident.…”

“…A positive correlation between bone mass recovery and the return of regular menstrual cycle was evident. However, in anorexic patients when body weight improved and menstrual cycles became regular, severe damage to bone structure was still likely to be maintained (do Carmo et al, 2007). Table 6.…”