Time to revisit the definition of atypical anorexia nervosa.

In this special issue, international researchers investigate how atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) differs from anorexia nervosa (AN) and other eating disorders with respect to demographics, psychological and physiological morbidity, as well as treatment course and outcome. Manuscripts in this special issue report that atypical AN is associated with substantial medical and psychological morbidity, and the majority of studies find few differences between atypical AN and AN. While much remains to be learned about the long-term course and treatment response of individuals with atypical AN to psychological and pharmacological interventions, the evidence supports conceptualization of atypical AN as part of a spectrum-based restrictive eating disorder. These findings together with the potentially stigmatizing use of the term "atypical" suggest it may be time to revise the existing definition of atypical AN.

Course and outcome in individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa: Findings from the Study of Refeeding to Optimize iNpatient Gains (StRONG).

OBJECTIVE: We previously reported that participants with atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) had higher historical and admission weights, greater eating disorder psychopathology, but similar rates of amenorrhea and weight suppression at baseline as compared to anorexia nervosa (AN); here, we compare 1-year outcomes. METHOD: Weight, % median body mass index (%mBMI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores, resumption of menses, and rehospitalizations were examined at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge. Analyses (N = 111) compared changes in %mBMI, weight suppression, and EDE-Q scores over time between atypical AN and AN. RESULTS: Among the participants (48 atypical AN, 63 AN), both groups gained weight but those with atypical AN had lower gains than those with AN in %mBMI (p = .02) and greater weight suppression (p = .002) over time. EDE-Q scores improved over time, independent of weight suppression, with no significant difference between atypical AN and AN. Groups did not differ by rates of resumption of menses (80% atypical AN, 76.9% AN) or rehospitalization (29.2% atypical AN, 37.9% AN). Greater weight suppression predicted longer time to restore menses and more days of rehospitalization. DISCUSSION: Individuals with atypical AN regained a smaller proportion of body mass and were more weight suppressed over time. Change in eating disorder cognitions, resumption of menses, and rehospitalization rates at 1-year follow-up did not differ between groups. There was no significant difference in weight suppression between groups for those who were psychologically improved at 12 months. Findings highlight limitations in our understanding of weight recovery in atypical AN. New metrics for recovery are urgently needed. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Little is known about outcome in atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN). We examined recovery metrics in young people with atypical AN and anorexia nervosa (AN) 1 year after medical hospitalization. Individuals with atypical AN showed slower weight gain and remained further from their pre-illness weight. There were no differences in the rates of psychological recovery, resumption of menses, or rehospitalization. New metrics are needed to assess recovery in atypical AN.

Short-term outcomes of the study of refeeding to optimize inpatient gains for patients with atypical anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: The StRONG trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of higher calorie refeeding (HCR) in hospitalized adolescents and young adults with malnutrition secondary to restrictive eating disorders. Here we compare refeeding outcomes in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) versus anorexia nervosa (AN) and examine the impact of caloric dose. METHOD: Patients were enrolled upon admission and randomized to meal-based HCR, beginning 2000 kcal/day and advancing 200 kcal/day, or lower calorie refeeding (LCR), beginning 1400 kcal/day and advancing 200 kcal every other day. Atypical AN was defined as %median BMI (mBMI) > 85. Independent t-tests compared groups; multivariable linear and logistic regressions examined caloric dose (kcal/kg body weight). RESULTS: Among n = 111, mean ± SD age was 16.5 ± 2.5 yrs; 43% had atypical AN. Compared to AN, atypical AN had slower heart rate restoration (8.7 ± 4.0 days vs. 6.5 ± 3.9 days, p = .008, Cohen's d = -.56), less weight gain (3.1 ± 5.9%mBMI vs. 5.4 ± 2.9%mBMI, p < .001, Cohen's d = .51) and greater hypomagnesemia (29% vs. 11%, p = .03, OR = 3.29). These suboptimal outcomes were predicted by insufficient caloric dose (32.4 ± 6.9 kcal/kg in atypical AN vs. 43.4 ± 9.8 kcal/kg in AN, p < .001, Cohen's d = 1.27). For every 10 kcal/kg increase, heart rate was restored 1.7 days (1.0, 2.5) faster (p < .001), weight gain was 1.6%mBMI (.8, 2.4) greater (p < .001), and hypomagnesemia odds were 70% (12, 128) lower (p = .02). DISCUSSION: Although HCR is more efficacious than LCR for refeeding in AN, it contributes to underfeeding in atypical AN by providing an insufficient caloric dose relative to the greater body weight in this diagnostic group. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The StRONG trial previously demonstrated the efficacy and safety of higher calorie refeeding in patients with malnutrition due to restrictive eating disorders. Here we show that higher calorie refeeding contributes to underfeeding in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa, including poor weight gain and longer time to restore medical stability. These findings indicate these patients need more calories to support nutritional rehabilitation in hospital.

Atypical Anorexia Nervosa is not atypical at all! Commentary on Walsh et al. (2022).

The introduction of atypical anorexia nervosa (atypAN) as a new diagnosis in DSM-5 has advanced the field by expanding awareness that individuals of all weights can have an eating disorder. However, many clinical and research questions remain, particularly pertaining to whether atypAN and anorexia nervosa (AN) are different conditions or the same condition across the weight spectrum. In this issue of the journal, Walsh et al. describe the results of their systematic review demonstrating that the level of eating disorder-specific psychopathology is significantly higher among individuals with atypAN than among controls, and as high or higher than among individuals with AN. Levels of noneating disorder psychopathology are similar. Individuals with atypAN experience many of the medical complications associated with AN but at a lower frequency. The finding that the clinical features of atypAN are not substantially different from AN supports the possibility that atypAN and AN are the same condition. Further research on epidemiology, genetics, treatment, course and outcome is required to determine whether atypAN and AN are the same or different, but there is a need to update and refine existing terminology and diagnostic classification.

Hospital-based higher calorie refeeding and mealtime distress in adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: The StRONG study demonstrated that higher calorie refeeding (HCR) restored medical stability faster in patients hospitalized with anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN (AAN), with no increased safety events compared with standard-of-care lower calorie refeeding (LCR). However, some clinicians have expressed concern about potential unintended consequences of HCR (e.g., greater mealtime distress). The purpose of this study was to examine patient treatment preference and compare mealtime distress, food refusal, and affective states between treatments. METHOD: Participants (N = 111) in this multisite randomized clinical trial were ages 12-24 years, with AN or AAN, admitted to hospital with medical instability who received assigned study treatment (HCR or LCR). Treatment preference was assessed prior to randomization in the full sample. In a subset of participants (n = 45), linear mixed effect models were used to analyze momentary ratings of mealtime distress (pre, during, and post-meals) and daily affective state during the hospitalization. RESULTS: About half (55%) of participants reported a preference for LCR. Treatment assignment was not associated with food refusal, mealtime distress, or affective states in the subsample. Food refusal increased significantly over the course of refeeding (p = .018). Individuals with greater depression experienced more negative affect (p = .033), with worsening negative affect over time for individuals with higher eating disorder psychopathology (p = .023). DISCUSSION: Despite understandable concerns about potential unintended consequences of HCR, we found no evidence that treatment acceptability for HCR differed from LCR for adolescents and young adults with AN and AAN. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The efficacy and safety of higher calorie refeeding in hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa has been demonstrated. However, it is not known whether higher calorie refeeding (HCR) increases meal-time distress. This study demonstrated that HCR was not associated with increased mealtime distress, food refusal, or affective states, as compared with lower calorie refeeding. These data support HCR treatment acceptability for adolescents/young adults with anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa.

Comparisons of bone density and body composition among adolescents with anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: To compare bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition among adolescents: (a) with atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) versus anorexia nervosa (AN) and (b) those with and without a prior history of overweight. METHOD: Electronic medical records of patients 9-20 years with AN or AAN who underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 286 adolescents with AN or AAN were included. In linear regression models, AAN was associated with greater Z-scores in whole body bone mineral content (BMC, B = 0.88, p < 0.001), lumbar spine BMD (B = 0.79, p = 0.002), femoral neck BMD (B = 0.670, p = 0.009); fat mass index (B = 1.33, p = 0.003), and lean body mass index (LBMI, B = 1.10, p < 0.001) compared to AN, adjusting for age, sex, and duration of illness. A prior overweight history was associated with greater Z-scores in whole body BMC; lumbar spine BMD, total hip BMD, femoral neck BMD, and LBMI. DISCUSSION: Adolescents with AAN had higher BMD Z-scores than adolescents with AN; adolescents with a prior overweight history had greater BMD Z-scores than adolescents without a prior overweight history. These findings may inform clinical guidelines for the medical management of AAN.

Associations between exercise, bone mineral density, and body composition in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effect of duration of weight-bearing exercise and team sports participation on bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of all patients 9-20 years old with a DSM-5 diagnosis of AN evaluated by the Stanford Eating Disorders Program (1997-2011) who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: A total of 188 adolescents with AN were included (178 females and 10 males). Using multivariate linear regression, duration of weight-bearing exercise (B = 0.15, p = 0.005) and participation in team sports (B = 0.53, p = 0.001) were associated with higher BMD at the hip and team sports (B = 0.39, p = 0.006) were associated with higher whole body BMC, controlling for covariates. Participation in team sports (B = - 1.06, p = 0.007) was associated with greater deficits in FMI Z-score. LBMI Z-score was positively associated with duration of weight-bearing exercise (B = 0.10, p = 0.018) and may explain the relationship between exercise and bone outcomes. CONCLUSION: Duration of weight-bearing exercise and team sports participation may be protective of BMD at the hip and whole body BMC, while participation in team sports was associated with greater FMI deficits among adolescents with AN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, descriptive retrospective study.

Characterization and correlates of exercise among adolescents with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize exercise behaviors among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), atypical AN, or bulimia nervosa (BN), and determine associations between exercise and medical risk. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional electronic medical records of all patients evaluated by the Eating Disorder Program at Stanford between January 1997 and February 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: 1,083 subjects (961 females, 122 males; mean age 15.6) met eligibility criteria. Most patients (89.7%) reported exercise (mean 7.0 h per week over mean 5.4 days per week) prior to presentation. Running (49.9%), calisthenics (40.7%), walking (23.4%), soccer (20.9%), and swimming (18.2%) were the most common exercises; a majority (60.6%) reported team sport participation. Males were less likely to report team exercise (p = .005). Bradycardia (heart rate <50) at presentation was associated with team sport participation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-2.72) and hours of exercise per week (AOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.09), controlling for diagnosis, sex, age, duration of illness, rate of weight loss, and percent median body mass index (%mBMI). DISCUSSION: Adolescents with AN, atypical AN, and BN reported high levels of exercise. Females reported more team sport participation. Greater exercise frequency and team sport participation were associated with bradycardia. Further studies assessing the relationship between exercise and bradycardia may help inform the medical management of adolescents with these eating disorders who are more physically active.

Assessment of sex differences in bone deficits among adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare sex differences in bone deficits among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to identify other correlates of bone health. METHOD: Electronic medical records of all patients 9-20 years of age with a DSM-5 diagnosis of AN who were evaluated by the eating disorders program at Stanford with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) between March 1997 and February 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Whole body bone mineral content Z-scores and bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores at multiple sites were recorded using the Bone Mineral Density in Childhood Study (BMDCS) reference data. RESULTS: A total of 25 males and 253 females with AN were included, with median age 15 years (interquartile range [IQR] 14-17) and median duration of illness 9 months (IQR 5-13). Using linear regression analyses, no significant sex differences in bone deficits were found at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, or whole body when controlling for age, %mBMI, and duration of illness. Lower %mBMI was significantly associated with bone deficits at all sites in adjusted models. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to evaluate sex differences in bone health among adolescents with AN, using novel DSM-5 criteria for AN and robust BMDCS reference data. We find no significant sex differences in bone deficits among adolescents with AN except for a higher proportion of females with femoral neck BMD Z-scores <-1. Degree of malnutrition was correlated with bone deficits at all sites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:352-358).

A Behavior-Based Intervention That Prevents Sexual Assault: the Results of a Matched-Pairs, Cluster-Randomized Study in Nairobi, Kenya.

DESIGN: The study's design was a cluster-randomized, matched-pairs, parallel trial of a behavior-based sexual assault prevention intervention in the informal settlements. METHODS: The participants were primary school girls aged 10-16. Classroom-based interventions for girls and boys were delivered by instructors from the same settlements, at the same time, over six 2-h sessions. The girls' program had components of empowerment, gender relations, and self-defense. The boys' program promotes healthy gender norms. The control arm of the study received a health and hygiene curriculum. The primary outcome was the rate of sexual assault in the prior 12 months at the cluster level (school level). Secondary outcomes included the generalized self-efficacy scale, the distribution of number of times victims were sexually assaulted in the prior period, skills used, disclosure rates, and distribution of perpetrators. Difference-in-differences estimates are reported with bootstrapped confidence intervals. RESULTS: Fourteen schools with 3147 girls from the intervention group and 14 schools with 2539 girls from the control group were included in the analysis. We estimate a 3.7 % decrease, p = 0.03 and 95 % CI = (0.4, 8.0), in risk of sexual assault in the intervention group due to the intervention (initially 7.3 % at baseline). We estimate an increase in mean generalized self-efficacy score of 0.19 (baseline average 3.1, on a 1-4 scale), p = 0.0004 and 95 % CI = (0.08, 0.39). INTERPRETATION: This innovative intervention that combined parallel training for young adolescent girls and boys in school settings showed significant reduction in the rate of sexual assault among girls in this population.

Risk of Urolithiasis in Anorexia Nervosa: A Population-Based Cohort Study Using the Health Improvement Network.

This population-based retrospective cohort study sought to determine if anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with a higher risk of urolithiasis. Nine thousand three hundred two females with AN were compared to 92 959 randomly selected age-matched and practice-matched females. Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for urolithiasis and evaluate effect modification by age. Twenty-three participants with AN (0.25%) developed urolithiasis compared with 154 unexposed participants (0.17%) over a median of 4 years of observation. The risk of urolithiasis varied significantly with age (interaction p = 0.02). AN was associated with a more than threefold higher risk of urolithiasis in females ≤25 years of age (HR 3.49, 95% CI: 1.56-7.81; p = 0.002), but not in females over 25 years (HR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.69-2.02; p = 0.54). The distribution of diagnosis codes for urolithiasis differed between groups (p = 0.04), with a higher proportion of codes for uric acid urolithiasis in the AN (16.2%) versus unexposed group (5.0%). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

State of the art systematic review of bone disease in anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a known consequence of anorexia nervosa (AN) and is particularly concerning during adolescence, a critical time for bone accrual. A comprehensive synthesis of available data regarding impaired bone health, its determinants, and associated management strategies in AN is currently lacking. This systematic review aims to synthesize information from key physiologic and prospective studies and trials, and provide a thorough understanding of impaired bone health in AN and its management. METHOD: Search terms included "anorexia nervosa" AND "bone density" for the period 1995-2015, limited to articles in English. Papers were screened manually based on journal impact factor, sample size, age of participants, and inclusion of a control group. When necessary, we included seminal papers published before 1995. RESULTS: AN leads to low BMD, impaired bone quality and increased fracture risk. Important determinants are low lean mass, hypogonadism, IGF-1 deficiency, and alterations in other hormones that impact bone health. Weight gain and menses restoration are critical for improving bone outcomes in AN. Physiologic estrogen replacement as the transdermal patch was shown to increase bone accrual in one study in adolescent females with AN; however, residual deficits persist. Bisphosphonates are potentially useful in adults with AN. DISCUSSION: To date, evidence suggests that the safest and most effective strategy to improve bone health in AN is normalization of weight with restoration of menses. Pharmacotherapies that show promise include physiologic estradiol replacement (as the transdermal estradiol patch), and in adults, bisphosphonates. Further studies are necessary to determine the best strategies to normalize BMD in AN.

A systematic review of approaches to refeeding in patients with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Given the importance of weight restoration for recovery in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), we examined approaches to refeeding in adolescents and adults across treatment settings. METHODS: Systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Clinical Trials databases (1960-2015) using terms refeeding, weight restoration, hypophosphatemia, anorexia nervosa, anorexia, and anorexic. RESULTS: Of 948 screened abstracts, 27 met these inclusion criteria: participants had AN; reproducible refeeding approach; weight gain, hypophosphatemia or cognitive/behavioral outcomes. Twenty-six studies (96%) were observational/prospective or retrospective and performed in hospital. Twelve studies published since 2010 examined approaches starting with higher calories than currently recommended (≥1400 kcal/d). The evidence supports 8 conclusions: 1) In mildly and moderately malnourished patients, lower calorie refeeding is too conservative; 2) Both meal-based approaches or combined nasogastric+meals can administer higher calories; 3) Higher calorie refeeding has not been associated with increased risk for the refeeding syndrome under close medical monitoring with electrolyte correction; 4) In severely malnourished inpatients, there is insufficient evidence to change the current standard of care; 5) Parenteral nutrition is not recommended; 6) Nutrient compositions within recommended ranges are appropriate; 7) More research is needed in non-hospital settings; 8) The long-term impact of different approaches is unknown; DISCUSSION: Findings support higher calorie approaches to refeeding in mildly and moderately malnourished patients under close medical monitoring, however the safety, long-term outcomes, and feasibility outside of hospital have not been established. Further research is also needed on refeeding approaches in severely malnourished patients, methods of delivery, nutrient compositions and treatment settings.

Associations of elevated liver enzymes among hospitalized adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence, predictors, and evolution of increased liver enzymes in a large sample of adolescents hospitalized with anorexia nervosa (AN). STUDY DESIGN: Electronic medical records of all subjects 10-22 years of age with AN, first admitted to a tertiary children's hospital from January 2007 to December 2012, were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic factors, anthropometric factors, initial prescribed calories, and alanine aminotransferase levels were recorded. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the effect of sex, degree of malnutrition, and initial calories prescribed on having alanine aminotransferase ≥40 IU/L. RESULTS: A total of 356 subjects met eligibility criteria (age 16.1 ± 2.4; 89.0% female; admission body mass index [BMI] 15.9 ± 1.9; admission percentage median BMI 78.2 ± 8.5), with elevated liver enzymes present in 37.0% on admission and in 41.1% at any point during the hospitalization. Lower percentage median BMI (aOR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.98) and male sex (aOR 0.45; 95% CI 0.22-0.94) were significantly associated with odds of elevated liver enzymes on admission. Higher initial prescribed calories were associated with odds of elevated liver enzymes after admission (aOR 1.81; 95% CI 1.04-3.18). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of AN and elevated liver enzymes, the degree of malnutrition and male sex predicted elevated liver enzymes on admission but initial prescribed calories also may be associated with elevated liver enzymes after admission in a small proportion of patients. Future research should better characterize the evolution of elevated liver enzymes in patients hospitalized with AN undergoing refeeding.

Female Athlete Triad Risk Factors Are More Strongly Associated With Trabecular-Rich Versus Cortical-Rich Bone Stress Injuries in Collegiate Athletes.

Background: Bone stress injuries (BSIs) are common in athletes. Risk factors for BSI may differ by skeletal anatomy and relative contribution of trabecular-rich and cortical-rich bone. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Female Athlete Triad (Triad) risk factors would be more strongly associated with BSIs sustained at trabecular-rich versus cortical-rich skeletal sites. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The study population comprised 321 female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes participating in 16 sports from 2008 to 2014. Triad risk factors and a Triad cumulative risk score were assessed using responses to preparticipation examination and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry to measure lumbar spine and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD). Sports-related BSIs were diagnosed by a physician and confirmed radiologically. Athletes were grouped into those sustaining a subsequent trabecular-rich BSI, a subsequent cortical-rich BSI, and those without a BSI. Data were analyzed with multinomial logistic regression adjusted for participation in cross-country running versus other sports. Results: A total of 19 participants sustained a cortical-rich BSI (6%) and 10 sustained a trabecular-rich BSI (3%) over the course of collegiate sports participation. The Triad cumulative risk score was significantly related to both trabecular-rich and cortical-rich BSI. However, lower BMD and weight were associated with significantly greater risk for trabecular-rich than cortical-rich BSIs. For every value lower than 1 SD, the odds ratios (95% CIs) for trabecular-rich versus cortical-rich BSI were 3.08 (1.25-7.56) for spine BMD; 2.38 (1.22-4.64) for whole-body BMD; and 5.26 (1.48-18.70) for weight. Taller height was a significantly better predictor of cortical-rich than trabecular-rich BSI. Conclusion: The Triad cumulative risk score was significantly associated with both trabecular-rich and cortical-rich BSI, but Triad-related risk factors appeared more strongly related to trabecular-rich BSI. In particular, low BMD and low weight were associated with significantly higher increases in the risk of trabecular-rich BSI than cortical-rich BSI. These findings suggest Triad risk factors are more common in athletes sustaining BSI in trabecular-rich than cortical-rich locations.

Renal Function in Patients Hospitalized With Anorexia Nervosa Undergoing Refeeding: Findings From the Study of Refeeding to Optimize Inpatient Gains.

PURPOSE: Among complications of malnutrition secondary to anorexia nervosa (AN) or atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN), renal impairment remains poorly elucidated. Evaluating renal function in hospitalized pediatric patients with AN and AAN undergoing refeeding will yield important information to guide clinicians in screening and managing renal dysfunction in this population. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from the Study of Refeeding to Optimize Inpatient Gains trial, a multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing higher calorie refeeding versus lower calorie refeeding in 120 adolescents and young adults hospitalized with medical instability secondary to AN or AAN. Baseline disease characteristics were obtained. Vital sign measurements, weight, electrolytes, and fluid status were evaluated daily to ascertain medical stability. Renal function on admission and throughout hospitalization was quantified using daily creatinine measurement and calculation of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the modified Schwartz equation. Regression analysis and mixed linear models were utilized to evaluate factors associated with eGFR. RESULTS: Of the 111 participants who completed treatment protocol, 33% had a baseline eGFR less than 90, suggesting renal impairment. Patients who experienced more rapid weight loss and more severe bradycardia were more likely to have low admission eGFR. While eGFR improved during refeeding, eGFR change by day based on refeeding treatment assignment did not reach statistical significance (95% confidence interval, -1.61, 0.15]; p = .095). DISCUSSION: Renal impairment is evident on admission in a significant number of adolescents and young adults hospitalized with AN and AAN. We demonstrate that short-term medical refeeding yields improvement in renal function.

Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic With Adolescent and Young Adult Eating Disorder Care Volume.

Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected youth mental health. Increases in site-specific eating disorder (ED) care have been documented; however, multisite studies demonstrating national trends are lacking. Objective: To compare the number of adolescent/young adult patients seeking inpatient and outpatient ED care before and after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants: Using an observational case series design, changes in volume in inpatient and outpatient ED-related care across 15 member sites (14 geographically diverse hospital-based adolescent medicine programs and 1 nonhospital-based ED program) of the US National Eating Disorder Quality Improvement Collaborative was examined. Sites reported monthly volumes of patients seeking inpatient and outpatient ED care between January 2018 and December 2021. Patient volumes pre- and postpandemic onset were compared separately for inpatient and outpatient settings. Demographic data such as race and ethnicity were not collected because this study used monthly summary data. Exposures: Onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Main Outcomes and Measures: Monthly number of patients seeking inpatient/outpatient ED-related care. Results: Aggregate total inpatient ED admissions were 81 in January 2018 and 109 in February 2020. Aggregate total new outpatient assessments were 195 in January 2018 and 254 in February 2020. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the relative number of pooled inpatient ED admissions were increasing over time by 0.7% per month (95% CI, 0.2%-1.3%). After onset of the pandemic, there was a significant increase in admissions over time of 7.2% per month (95% CI, 4.8%-9.7%) through April 2021, then a decrease of 3.6% per month (95% CI, -6.0% to -1.1%) through December 2021. Prepandemic, pooled data showed relative outpatient ED assessment volume was stable over time, with an immediate 39.7% decline (95% CI, -50.4% to -26.7%) in April 2020. Subsequently, new assessments increased by 8.1% (95% CI, 5.3%-11.1%) per month through April 2021, then decreased by 1.5% per month (95% CI, -3.6% to 0.7%) through December 2021. The nonhospital-based ED program did not demonstrate a significant increase in the absolute number of admissions after onset of the pandemic but did see a significant increase of 8.2 (95% CI, 6.2-10.2) additional inquiries for care per month in the first year after onset of the pandemic. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, there was a significant COVID-19 pandemic-related increase in both inpatient and outpatient volume of patients with EDs across sites, particularly in the first year of the pandemic. Given inadequate ED care availability prior to the pandemic, the increased postpandemic demand will likely outstrip available resources. Results highlight the need to address ED workforce and program capacity issues as well as improve ED prevention strategies.

Markers of Low-Iron Status Are Associated with Female Athlete Triad Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: The Female Athlete Triad (Triad) is common in female athletes. The Triad is caused by low-energy availability (EA), which is often difficult to measure and has been postulated to be associated with low-iron status. Here, we explore whether markers of low-iron status may be associated with indicators of low EA including Triad risk factors. METHODS: A total of 239 female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes completed preparticipation examinations that included Triad risk factors, medication/supplement use, diagnosis of anemia, and elected to complete dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan to measure bone mineral density. The association of markers of low iron (defined as self-report of iron supplementation and/or history of anemia) with each component of the Triad risk assessment score was assessed by stratifying low-iron status across different levels of Triad risk category. Differences across iron status groups were assessed using Fisher exact testing. RESULTS: Every component of the Triad risk assessment score excluding delayed menarche was associated with low-iron status. The proportion of women who reported low iron was 11.5% in the low-risk EA group compared with 50% in the moderate-risk and 66.7% in the high-risk EA groups (P = 0.02); respectively. These numbers were 11.6%, 25.0%, and 66.7% (P = 0.02) for body mass index; 9.7%, 16.7%, and 25.0% (P < 0.05) for oligomenorrhea; 10.3%, 45.5%, and 50.0% (P < 0.01) for bone mineral density; and 10.4%, 20.8%, and 30.8% (P = 0.03) for history of stress reaction or fracture. Lean/endurance athletes were more likely to have low-iron status than other athletes (15.5% vs 3.4%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Markers for low-iron status were associated with Triad risk factors. Our study suggests that female athletes with a history of anemia or iron supplementation may require further screening for low EA.