Search

OBJECTIVE: The StRONG trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of higher calorie refeeding (HCR) in hospitalized adolescents and young adults with malnutrition secondary to restrictive eating disorders. Here we compare refeeding outcomes in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) versus anorexia nervosa (AN) and examine the impact of caloric dose. METHOD: Patients were enrolled upon admission and randomized to meal-based HCR, beginning 2000 kcal/day and advancing 200 kcal/day, or lower calorie refeeding (LCR), beginning 1400 kcal/day and advancing 200 kcal every other day. Atypical AN was defined as %median BMI (mBMI) > 85. Independent t-tests compared groups; multivariable linear and logistic regressions examined caloric dose (kcal/kg body weight). RESULTS: Among n = 111, mean ± SD age was 16.5 ± 2.5 yrs; 43% had atypical AN. Compared to AN, atypical AN had slower heart rate restoration (8.7 ± 4.0 days vs. 6.5 ± 3.9 days, p = .008, Cohens d = -.56), less weight gain (3.1 ± 5.9%mBMI vs. 5.4 ± 2.9%mBMI, p

ObjectiveThe StRONG study demonstrated that higher calorie refeeding (HCR) restored medical stability faster in patients hospitalized with anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN (AAN), with no increased safety events compared with standard-of-care lower calorie refeeding (LCR). However, some clinicians have expressed concern about potential unintended consequences of HCR (e.g., greater mealtime distress). The purpose of this study was to examine patient treatment preference and compare mealtime distress, food refusal, and affective states between treatments.MethodParticipants (N = 111) in this multisite randomized clinical trial were ages 12-24 years, with AN or AAN, admitted to hospital with medical instability who received assigned study treatment (HCR or LCR). Treatment preference was assessed prior to randomization in the full sample. In a subset of participants (n = 45), linear mixed effect models were used to analyze momentary ratings of mealtime distress (pre, during, and post-meals) and daily affective state during the hospitalization.ResultsAbout half (55%) of participants reported a preference for LCR. Treatment assignment was not associated with food refusal, mealtime distress, or affective states in the subsample. Food refusal increased significantly over the course of refeeding (p = .018). Individuals with greater depression experienced more negative affect (p = .033), with worsening negative affect over time for individuals with higher eating disorder psychopathology (p = .023).DiscussionDespite understandable concerns about potential unintended consequences of HCR, we found no evidence that treatment acceptability for HCR differed from LCR for adolescents and young adults with AN and AAN.Public significanceThe efficacy and safety of higher calorie refeeding in hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa has been demonstrated. However, it is not known whether higher calorie refeeding (HCR) increases meal-time distress. This study demonstrated that HCR was not associated with increased mealtime distress, food refusal, or affective states, as compared with lower calorie refeeding. These data support HCR treatment acceptability for adolescents/young adults with anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa.

Background and objectivesWe recently reported the short-term results of this trial revealing that higher-calorie refeeding (HCR) restored medical stability earlier, with no increase in safety events and significant savings associated with shorter length of stay, in comparison with lower-calorie refeeding (LCR) in hospitalized adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Here, we report the 1-year outcomes, including rates of clinical remission and rehospitalizations.MethodsIn this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, eligible patients admitted for medical instability to 2 tertiary care eating disorder programs were randomly assigned to HCR (2000 kcals per day, increasing by 200 kcals per day) or LCR (1400 kcals per day, increasing by 200 kcals every other day) within 24 hours of admission and followed-up at 10 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post discharge. Clinical remission at 12 months post discharge was defined as weight restoration (≥95% median BMI) plus psychological recovery. With generalized linear mixed effect models, we examined differences in clinical remission over time.ResultsOf 120 enrollees, 111 were included in modified intent-to-treat analyses, 60 received HCR, and 51 received LCR. Clinical remission rates changed over time in both groups, with no evidence of significant group differences (P = .42). Medical rehospitalization rates within 1-year post discharge (32.8% [19 of 58] vs 35.4% [17 of 48], P = .84), number of rehospitalizations (2.4 [SD: 2.2] vs 2.0 [SD: 1.6]; P = .52), and total number of days rehospitalized (6.0 [SD: 14.8] vs 5.1 [SD: 10.3] days; P = .81) did not differ by HCR versus LCR.ConclusionsThe finding that clinical remission and medical rehospitalization did not differ over 1-year, in conjunction with the end-of-treatment outcomes, support the superior efficacy of HCR as compared with LCR.

BACKGROUND: Lower weight has historically been equated with more severe illness in anorexia nervosa (AN). Reliance on admission weight to guide clinical concern is challenged by the rise in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) requiring hospitalization at normal weight. METHODS: We examined weight history and illness severity in 12- to 24-year-olds with AN (n = 66) and AAN (n = 50) in a randomized clinical trial, the Study of Refeeding to Optimize Inpatient Gains (www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02488109). Amount of weight loss was the difference between the highest historical percentage median BMI and admission; rate was the amount divided by duration (months). Unpaired t tests compared AAN and AN; multiple variable regressions examined associations between weight history variables and markers of illness severity at admission. Stepwise regression examined the explanatory value of weight and menstrual history on selected markers. RESULTS: Participants were 16.5 ± 2.6 years old, and 91% were of female sex. Groups did not differ by weight history or admission heart rate (HR). Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire global scores were higher in AAN (mean 3.80 [SD 1.66] vs mean 3.00 [SD 1.66]; P = .02). Independent of admission weight, lower HR (β = -0.492 [confidence interval (CI) -0.883 to -0.100]; P = .01) was associated with faster loss; lower serum phosphorus was associated with a greater amount (β = -0.005 [CI -0.010 to 0.000]; P = .04) and longer duration (β = -0.011 [CI -0.017 to 0.005]; P = .001). Weight and menstrual history explained 28% of the variance in HR and 36% of the variance in serum phosphorus. CONCLUSIONS: Weight history was independently associated with markers of malnutrition in inpatients with restrictive eating disorders across a range of body weights and should be considered when assessing illness severity on hospital admission.

BACKGROUND:Lower weight has historically been equated with more severe illness in anorexia nervosa (AN). Reliance on admission weight to guide clinical concern is challenged by the rise in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) requiring hospitalization at normal weight. METHODS:We examined weight history and illness severity in 12- to 24-year-olds with AN (n = 66) and AAN (n = 50) in a randomized clinical trial, the Study of Refeeding to Optimize Inpatient Gains (www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02488109). Amount of weight loss was the difference between the highest historical percentage median BMI and admission; rate was the amount divided by duration (months). Unpaired t tests compared AAN and AN; multiple variable regressions examined associations between weight history variables and markers of illness severity at admission. Stepwise regression examined the explanatory value of weight and menstrual history on selected markers. RESULTS:Participants were 16.5 ± 2.6 years old, and 91% were of female sex. Groups did not differ by weight history or admission heart rate (HR). Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire global scores were higher in AAN (mean 3.80 [SD 1.66] vs mean 3.00 [SD 1.66]; P = .02). Independent of admission weight, lower HR (β = -0.492 [confidence interval (CI) -0.883 to -0.100]; P = .01) was associated with faster loss; lower serum phosphorus was associated with a greater amount (β = -0.005 [CI -0.010 to 0.000]; P = .04) and longer duration (β = -0.011 [CI -0.017 to 0.005]; P = .001). Weight and menstrual history explained 28% of the variance in HR and 36% of the variance in serum phosphorus. CONCLUSIONS:Weight history was independently associated with markers of malnutrition in inpatients with restrictive eating disorders across a range of body weights and should be considered when assessing illness severity on hospital admission.

PurposePrevious research has indicated that patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or atypical AN with premorbid history of overweight/obesity have greater weight loss and longer illness duration than patients with no such history. However, little is known about the association of premorbid overweight/obesity and receiving inpatient medical care during treatment for an eating disorder.MethodsUsing logistic regression, we sought to determine if history of overweight/obesity was associated with receiving inpatient medical care in a sample of 522 patients (mean age 15.5 years, 88% female) with AN/atypical AN.ResultsBinary results demonstrated greater percent weight loss (27.4% vs. 16.2%) and higher percent median body mass index (%mBMI, 99.8% vs. 85.2%) at presentation in those with a history of overweight/obesity (p < .001) but no difference in duration of illness (p = .09). In models adjusted for demographics and percent weight loss, history of overweight/obesity was associated with lower odds of receiving inpatient medical care (odds ratio .60 [95% confidence interval: .45-.80]) at 1-year follow-up. However, these associations were no longer significant after adjusting for %mBMI. Mediation results suggest that %mBMI fully mediates the relationship between history of overweight/obesity and inpatient medical care, in that those with a history of overweight/obesity are less likely to receive care due to presenting at a higher weight.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that, despite greater degree of weight loss and no difference in duration of illness, participants with a history of overweight/obesity are less likely to receive inpatient medical care.

Historically, fruit juice was recommended by pediatricians as a source of vitamin C and as an extra source of water for healthy infants and young children as their diets expanded to include solid foods with higher renal solute load. It was also sometimes recommended for children with constipation. Fruit juice is marketed as a healthy, natural source of vitamins and, in some instances, calcium. Because juice tastes good, children readily accept it. Although juice consumption has some benefits, it also has potential detrimental effects. High sugar content in juice contributes to increased calorie consumption and the risk of dental caries. In addition, the lack of protein and fiber in juice can predispose to inappropriate weight gain (too much or too little). Pediatricians need to be knowledgeable about juice to inform parents and patients on its appropriate uses.

ObjectiveGiven the importance of weight restoration for recovery in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), we examined approaches to refeeding in adolescents and adults across treatment settings.MethodsSystematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Clinical Trials databases (1960-2015) using terms refeeding, weight restoration, hypophosphatemia, anorexia nervosa, anorexia, and anorexic.ResultsOf 948 screened abstracts, 27 met these inclusion criteria: participants had AN; reproducible refeeding approach; weight gain, hypophosphatemia or cognitive/behavioral outcomes. Twenty-six studies (96%) were observational/prospective or retrospective and performed in hospital. Twelve studies published since 2010 examined approaches starting with higher calories than currently recommended (≥1400 kcal/d). The evidence supports 8 conclusions: 1) In mildly and moderately malnourished patients, lower calorie refeeding is too conservative; 2) Both meal-based approaches or combined nasogastric+meals can administer higher calories; 3) Higher calorie refeeding has not been associated with increased risk for the refeeding syndrome under close medical monitoring with electrolyte correction; 4) In severely malnourished inpatients, there is insufficient evidence to change the current standard of care; 5) Parenteral nutrition is not recommended; 6) Nutrient compositions within recommended ranges are appropriate; 7) More research is needed in non-hospital settings; 8) The long-term impact of different approaches is unknown;DiscussionFindings support higher calorie approaches to refeeding in mildly and moderately malnourished patients under close medical monitoring, however the safety, long-term outcomes, and feasibility outside of hospital have not been established. Further research is also needed on refeeding approaches in severely malnourished patients, methods of delivery, nutrient compositions and treatment settings.

In this special issue, international researchers investigate how atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) differs from anorexia nervosa (AN) and other eating disorders with respect to demographics, psychological and physiological morbidity, as well as treatment course and outcome. Manuscripts in this special issue report that atypical AN is associated with substantial medical and psychological morbidity, and the majority of studies find few differences between atypical AN and AN. While much remains to be learned about the long‐term course and treatment response of individuals with atypical AN to psychological and pharmacological interventions, the evidence supports conceptualization of atypical AN as part of a spectrum‐based restrictive eating disorder. These findings together with the potentially stigmatizing use of the term "atypical" suggest it may be time to revise the existing definition of atypical AN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We previously reported that participants with atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) had higher historical and admission weights, greater eating disorder psychopathology, but similar rates of amenorrhea and weight suppression at baseline as compared to anorexia nervosa (AN); here, we compare 1‐year outcomes. Method: Weight, % median body mass index (%mBMI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) scores, resumption of menses, and rehospitalizations were examined at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐discharge. Analyses (N = 111) compared changes in %mBMI, weight suppression, and EDE‐Q scores over time between atypical AN and AN. Results: Among the participants (48 atypical AN, 63 AN), both groups gained weight but those with atypical AN had lower gains than those with AN in %mBMI (p =.02) and greater weight suppression (p =.002) over time. EDE‐Q scores improved over time, independent of weight suppression, with no significant difference between atypical AN and AN. Groups did not differ by rates of resumption of menses (80% atypical AN, 76.9% AN) or rehospitalization (29.2% atypical AN, 37.9% AN). Greater weight suppression predicted longer time to restore menses and more days of rehospitalization. Discussion: Individuals with atypical AN regained a smaller proportion of body mass and were more weight suppressed over time. Change in eating disorder cognitions, resumption of menses, and rehospitalization rates at 1‐year follow‐up did not differ between groups. There was no significant difference in weight suppression between groups for those who were psychologically improved at 12 months. Findings highlight limitations in our understanding of weight recovery in atypical AN. New metrics for recovery are urgently needed. Public Significance: Little is known about outcome in atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN). We examined recovery metrics in young people with atypical AN and anorexia nervosa (AN) 1 year after medical hospitalization. Individuals with atypical AN showed slower weight gain and remained further from their pre‐illness weight. There were no differences in the rates of psychological recovery, resumption of menses, or rehospitalization. New metrics are needed to assess recovery in atypical AN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of behavioral, empowerment-focused interventions on the incidence of pregnancy-related school dropout among girls in Nairobi's informal settlements. Method: Retrospective data on pregnancy-related school dropout from two cohorts were analyzed using a matched-pairs quasi-experimental design. The primary outcome was the change in the number of school dropouts due to pregnancy from 1 year before to 1 year after the interventions. Results: Annual incidence of school dropout due to pregnancy decreased by 46% in the intervention schools (from 3.9% at baseline to 2.1% at follow-up), whereas the comparison schools remained essentially unchanged (p < 0.029). Sensitivity analysis shows that the findings are robust to small levels of unobserved bias. Conclusions: Results suggest that these behavioral interventions significantly reduced the number of school dropouts due to pregnancy. As there are limited promising studies on behavioral interventions that decrease adolescent pregnancy in low-income settings, this intervention may be an important addition to this toolkit.