Eating disorders Flashcards
Anorexia is the most common eating disorder - True or False?
False
Obesity is the most common eating disorder
What are the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for Anorexia Nervosa?
- BMI <17.5
- Morbid fear of Fatness
- Distortion of body image
- Self induced weight loss (purging, laxative, excessive excercise, avoid eating)
- Amenorrhea (due to weight loss)
What are the physical consequences of anorexia nervosa?
- Sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Hypotension and bradycardia
- Amenorrhea
- Hypokalaemia and Alkalosis
Epidemiology of anorexia nervosa
Age: usually begins in adolescence
Gender: 10F:1M
Aetiology of Anorexia Nervosa
Genetic
Hormonal - reduced sex hormones secondary to malnutrition can be reversed by re-feeding.
Psychological - history of faddish diets, low self-esteem, family problems
Social media
Physical assessment in an Anorexic patient
Muscle wasting, hair loss Lanugo hair Cold, blue peripheries Dry skin Hypercarotenaemia Bradycardia, hypotension Bruising
Co-morbidities with Anorexia
Anxiety Depression OCD Substance misuse DM
Risk assessment of Anorexia Nervosa
BMI <13, weight loss >1kg/week
Prolonged QT, HR <40, systolic BP <80
Core temp < 34
Unable to rise from squat without using arms for leverage
Cognitive impairment
Investigations in Anorexia Nervosa
Heamatology
Biochemistry
ECG
DXA
Complications of anorexia
Dental: caries, enlarged parotid glands
GI: abdo discomfort, indigestion and bloating, oesophageal and gastric tears (secondary to vomiting)
oedema and dehydration
Neuro: peripheral paraesthesia, tetany or seizures (secondary to nutritional deficiencies)
Renal: renal damage secondary to chronic hypokalaemia
Hepatic: Raised LFT and liver failure
Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
Conduction on outpatient basis except in presence of complications
Family Based Treatment: first line in adolescents
CBT
Interpersonal Therapy
Restoring weight to ideal level - refeeding
Multivitamin supplements
Oestrogen patches
Re-feeding -aimed at gaining 0.5-1kg/week
What is re-feeding syndrome?
Potentially fatal shifts in fluid and electrolytes in malnourished patients undergoing rapid re-feeding
Risk factors for re-feeding syndrome
Very low BMI Little/no nutritional intake for several days Alcohol and substance misuse Diabetes Elderly
Hallmark of re-feeding syndrome
Hypophosphataemia
Features of re-feeding syndrome
hypophosphataemia hypokalaemia hypomagnesemia Abnormal fluid and sodium balance Changes in fat, glucose and protein Thiamine deficiency