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OUTPATIENT ANALYTIC ASSESSMENT OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA - THE IMPORTANCE OF VENOUS BLOOD GASES
Sofia Alexandra Pereira Pires1, Joana Costa Soares2, Alexandra Maria Branco da Luz2
1Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
Summary
Anorexia nervosa (AN) patients commonly exhibit respiratory acidosis and elevated ferritin. Venous blood gas (VBG) analysis is crucial for assessing AN severity and monitoring recovery, showing significant changes during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Adolescent Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex eating disorder with significant metabolic and biochemical disturbances.
- Understanding the evolution of serum biochemical parameters, including venous blood gas (VBG) analysis, is vital for managing AN in adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in serum biochemical parameters, with a focus on VBG, throughout the course of AN treatment in adolescent outpatients.
- To correlate these biochemical findings with clinical parameters such as body mass index (BMI).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 24 adolescent outpatients diagnosed with AN between January 2014 and May 2017.
- Three time points were analyzed: initial consultation (t1), lowest BMI z-score (t2), and highest BMI z-score (t3).
- Serum biochemical parameters, including VBG, ferritin, thyroid function, lipids, urea, liver enzymes, glucose, and hemoglobin, were evaluated.
Main Results:
- All patients (100%) exhibited altered VBG at the lowest BMI z-score (t2).
- Respiratory acidosis was highly prevalent (91% at t1, 100% at t2, 94% at t3).
- Significant decreases in pCO2 and HCO3 were observed during the recovery phase (t2 to t3).
Conclusions:
- Respiratory acidosis and elevated ferritin are common findings in adolescents with AN.
- VBG analysis is a valuable tool for assessing AN severity and monitoring treatment response.
- Biochemical monitoring, particularly VBG, aids in understanding disease progression and recovery in AN.
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