Restoration of ovarian and uterine maturity in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimal weight-to-height ratio to achieve maturity of the reproductive organs when visualized by pelvic ultrasound in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa. To examine the distribution of weight-to-height ratios in the group of adolescents in whom pelvic maturity was attained.


METHODS
Adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa received serial transabdominal pelvic ultrasound scans as they regained weight. A record of their weight-to-height ratio had been noted on each occasion. The scans were defined as mature or immature using strict criteria.


RESULTS
There was a wide range of weight-to-height ratios in both the mature and immature groups of patients with a considerable overlap between the groups. However, 88% of the sample required a weight-to-height ratio of 100% (body mass index [BMI] 20) to achieve reproductive maturity.


CONCLUSIONS
Previous target weights have been too low to ensure reproductive maturity. The resulting hypoestrogenic state increases the risk of future osteoporosis. Pelvic ultrasound is the safest and most reliable method for determining ovarian and uterine maturity in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa.
Key
Adrienne
A
Department of General Psychiatry, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom. akey@sghms.ac.uk
Mason
Helen
H
Allan
Rosie
R
Lask
Bryan
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D015430:Weight Gain