Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2010) 22 P563

Neuroendocrine Unit, Institute of Endocrinology, University Clinical Center, Belgrade, Serbia.


Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic disorder characterized of profound reduction in body weight and amenorrhoea. A product of complex interactions between psychological and clinical variables are important for the presence of the disease.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the variables which might predict full reproductive recovery of patients with anorexia nervosa.

Material and methods: We studied closely matched cohorts of patients with partailly (n=10) and fully recovered (n=13) AN patients (DSM-IV criteria). They were matched for age (23.1±0.34 vs 25.1±1.2 years, P>0.05), for body weight (49.2±1.1 vs 52.8 ±1.5, P>0.05) and body mass index (BMI 18.3±0.4 vs 19.5±0.4 kg/m2, P>0.05). Samples for pooled serum leptin levels (RIA, Linco) and for LH and FSH (Irma, INEP) were measured. Depression was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BEK-BD-II) and anxiety by Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA).

Results: There was a significant negative correlation between body weight and the score of BEK (P=0.04), body weight and HAMA scale score of anxiety (P=0.03). Patients with higher anxiety scores had lower body weight at baseline. The degree of depression correlated significantly with presence of amenorrhoea (P=0.04).

Conslusion: In a subset of AN patients, although regained weight, amenorrhoea was found. It is reasonable to believe that pshychological factors are important for the presence of disease.

Article tools

My recent searches

No recent searches.