Patients with eating disorders. A high-risk group for fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze fracture risk and bone mineral density in patients with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other eating disorders).


METHODS
Clinical overview.


RESULTS
Bone mineral density is decreased and fracture risk increased in patients with anorexia nervosa. In patients with bulimia nervosa, bone mineral is only marginally decreased and fracture risk marginally increased. In patients with other eating disorders (eating disorders not otherwise specified), bone mineral density is decreased and fracture risk increased.


CONCLUSIONS
Fracture risk is increased in patients with eating disorders. An eating disorder should be suspected in severely underweight young individuals (primarily girls) presenting with fractures, especially low-energy fractures.
Vestergaard
Peter
P
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism C, Aarhus Amtssygehus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Emborg
Charlotte
C
Støving
René K
RK
Hagen
Claus
C
Mosekilde
Leif
L
Brixen
Kim
K
D017677:Age Distribution; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015519:Bone Density; D002032:Bulimia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors