The treatment of anorexia nervosa with total parenteral nutrition

Treatment outcome of 11 anorectic patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is compared with outcome of anorectic patients receiving standard behaviorally oriented inpatient therapy. TPN resulted in significantly more rapid weight gain. Most patients could be successfully weaned from TPN to enteral feeding with continued weight gain. Complications during TPN were common including transaminase elevations and electrolyte imbalance. There was one death in the series. The role of TPN in the management of anorexia nervosa is discussed.