An objective means of diagnosing anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa using 15N/14N and 13C/12C ratios in hair.
An objective means based on the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of five hairs per individual is presented for distinguishing between individuals with anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia nervosa from non-clinical individuals (i.e. clinically normal controls). Using discriminant analysis, an algorithm has been developed that provides both sensitivity and specificity of 80% in making diagnoses of individuals with these eating disorders. With further refinements, the results suggest that it may be also possible to distinguish between individuals with anorexia or bulimia. Finally, the study shows the value of conducting blind tests and using larger sample sizes of both control and treatment groups. Both groups are needed to validate the diagnostic value of a method and to provide measures of sensitivity and specificity of any diagnostic test.
Hatch
Kent A
KA
Department of Integrative Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA. khatch@byu.edu
Crawford
Morgan A
MA
Kunz
Amanda W
AW
Thomsen
Steven R
SR
Eggett
Dennis L
DL
Nelson
Stephen T
ST
Roeder
Beverly L
BL
D000465:Algorithms; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016037:Single-Blind Method
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes