Metabolic abnormalities in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa

The intake laboratory data of 46 patients seen between 1970 and 1980 who were less than 19 years of age with a discharge diagnosis of anorexia nervosa were retrospectively reviewed to determine their metabolic profile. The major findings for those who had laboratory data were as follows: 45% (19/42) had serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) values greater than 36 International Units/liter (IU/L), and 65% (27/41) had alkaline phosphatase levels less than 58 IU/L. We suggest that patients with anorexia nervosa may reflect a state of hepatic dysfunction and/or dehydration before therapy.