Anorexia Nervosa: Complications CARDIAC ABNORMALITIES - Functional: Low BP, Sinus bradycardia, prolonged QT interval - Structural: Reduced cardiac muscle mass GASTROINTESTINAL FINDINGS - Gastroparesis and Constipation - Elevated Hepatic Enzymes - From fasting/weight loss RENAL FINDINGS - Dehydration -> GFR leads to BUN -> Significant Hypotension/ Hypovolemia NEUROLOGIC FINDINGS - Cerebral Atrophy and Metabolic Encephalopathy from significant fluid and electrolyte disturbances -> Difficulty concentrating and memory loss HEMATOLOGIC FINDINGS - Leukopenia with lymphocytosis, mild anemia and thrombocytopenia ENDOCRINE ABNORMALITIES - Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism - acquired from nutrient deficiency and hormone suppression - Low-Normal T3/T4 - Females: Low Serum Estrogen - Males: Low Serum Testosterone - Delay of puberty/menarche - Amenorrhea - (loss of menses) - Osteopenia/Osteoporosis - Low bone mineral density, Significantly increased risk of fracture DERMATOLOGIC PRESENTATIONS - Dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, hypercarotenemia (yellowing of skin) - Lanugo: fine downy hair covering limbs and cheeks (to preserve warmth) GENERAL FEATURES: - Emaciation: loss of body fat and muscle - Hypothermia and Cold Intolerance - Lethargy or Excess Energy Death - Cardiac complications, starvation, electrolyte imbalance • Note: Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of all psychiatric illnesses • Suicide risk is increased in anorexia, especially the binge-purge subtype #AnorexiaNervosa #Complications #pathophysiology #diagnosis #signs #symptoms #psychiatry
