Search

Serum levels of 16 proteins, including 11 component and control proteins of the complement system were determined before and after nutritional repletion in five female patients with severe malnutrition secondary to anorexia nervosa. Before parenteral alimentation significantly decreased serum levels were found for IgG, IgM, transferrin, Clq, C2, C3, factor B, beta lH, C3b inactivator, properdin, and C4 binding protein. A significant increase in posttreatment serum levels compared with pretreatment levels were found for transferrin, C3, factor B, beta lH, and C3b inactivator. Of the proteins measured, the C3b amplification loop control and component proteins, beta lH, C3b inactivator, C3, and factor B rose to the normal range in response to therapy most rapidly. In the absence of an acute phase reaction, these proteins appear to be particularly good indices of malnutrition and its response to therapy.

Ballet dancers have an increased risk of developing anorexia nervosa, perhaps because of their preoccupation with appearance and body shape related to their career. The author lists the early warning signs of anorexia nervosa and bulimia in dancers. Techniques are described to assist the practitioner in differentiating the normal dieting dancer from the anorectic dancer. The author emphasizes strategic treatment planning with anorectic dancers who initially deny the severity of their illness.