The offspring of mothers with anorexia nervosa: a high-risk group for undernutrition and stunting?
Seven children from three families presented with stunting and low weight-for-height. Their mothers had a history of anorexia nervosa (AN). Evidence was gathered that the children were nourished insufficiently, possibly in combination with psychosocial deprivation. Low growth hormone secretion was documented in three cases. With the increasing ability to induce fertility in anorectic women one should be aware of the effects of maternal AN on the offspring.
van Wezel-Meijler
G
G
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Youth, Het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, State University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Wit
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005508:Food Deprivation; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*