Nutritional status changes in eating disorder patients: 30 years’ experience in a University Hospital

ObjectiveTo describe the changes in the nutritional status and biochemical parameters of patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa during inpatient treatment at a specialized service. MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of all patients followed by the service from 1982 to 2011 who had be...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Muniz PALMA, Raphaela Fernanda, dos SANTOS, José Ernesto, Pilot Pessa RIBEIRO, Rosane
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2023
Country:Brasil
Institution:Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-CAMPINAS)
Repository:Revista de Nutrição
Language:Portuguese
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.periodicos.puc-campinas.edu.br:article/8538
Online Access:https://periodicos.puc-campinas.edu.br/nutricao/article/view/8538
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Hospitalization
Eating disorders
Hospitalização
Transtornos alimentares
Description
Summary:ObjectiveTo describe the changes in the nutritional status and biochemical parameters of patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa during inpatient treatment at a specialized service. MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of all patients followed by the service from 1982 to 2011 who had been hospitalized for treatment. Sociodemographic data, weight, height, and biochemical tests were collected at hospital admission and discharge. ResultsDuring the period, 83 patients diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia nervosa had been hospitalized for treatment. Most were female (95.2%), white (94.0%), single (76.0%), and childless (78.3%). The predominant diagnosis was anorexia nervosa (85.5%), especially the restrictive type (54.2%). The body mass index of adult patients (n=41) increased from 16.53±4.9 to 17.47±4.3kg/m2(p<0.05), and of children and adolescents (n=38), from 13.78±2.57 to 15.11±2.99kg/m2 (p<0.05). The mean values of most biochemical parameters were within the normal limits, and only the mean beta-carotene levels were elevated at admission and discharge. Albumin, hematocrit, high-density lipoprotein, and potassium levels were higher at discharge (p<0.05). ConclusionDespite the difficulties and complexities inherent to the treatment of eating disorders, especially patients’ resistance to weight recovery, inpatient treatment can improve nutritional status and normalize several biochemical parameters.