Abnormalities of liver function in severe anorexia nervosa

This pilot study investigated the frequency, cause and progress of abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) in severe anorexia nervosa. Six consecutive cases of anorexia nervosa severe enough to require hospital admission and 14 outpatients with anorexia nervosa had LFTs performed. All inpatients had abnormal LFTs, with grossly elevated liver enzymes in four patients. All normalized quickly with weight gain apart from one whose alanine transaminase (ALT) remained slightly elevated. Investigations failed to reveal any other cause of liver disease. ALT values were slightly elevated in three outpatients. Abnormal LFTs occur in some patients with anorexia nervosa. Most resolve quickly and are not associated with hepatic failure. A larger study is required to determine the frequency of occurrence, cause and natural history. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.