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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Assessment of the Metabolic Profile of Primary Leukemia Cells
Published on: November 21, 2018
[Severe leukopenia and bone marrow hypoplasia with gelatinous transformation in anorexia nervosa]
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Diakoniekrankenhaus Rotenburg, Elise-Averdieck-Str. 17, 27342 Rotenburg (Wümme). Thiel@Diako-online.de
History And Admission Findings:
A 26-year-old woman was admitted because of excessive weight loss: her body mass index was 11.3 kg/m (2). She reported an adequate food intake and denied fear of gaining weight.
Investigations:
The leukocyte count on admission was 2.0/nl. Bone marrow biopsy showed gelatinous bone marrow transformation with hypocellularity. Psychiatric examination and observation of the patient's eating behavior revealed symptoms typical of anorexia nervosa.
Diagnosis, Treatment And Course:
Because of the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa behaviour therapy was started. During the following months the patient continually gained weight. But it took nine months for leukocyte count to be normal, by which time her body mass index had risen to 17.8 kg/m (2).
Conclusion:
Severe weight loss in anorexia nervosa may lead to leukopenia and gelatinous bone marrow transformation. The abnormal leukocyte count can become normal by maintaining body weight within the normal range.
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