Liver function test abnormalities in anorexia nervosa--cause or effect.
OBJECTIVE
Two females with severe anorexia nervosa (BMI of 10) were seen with marked abnormalities in their liver function tests before the initiation of refeeding. These paradoxically resolved with progressive refeeding and weight restoration.


METHODS
Clinical observation during regimented medical stabilization and refeeding of two patients with severe anorexia nervosa with frequent monitoring of liver function tests.


RESULTS
Normalization of liver function tests ensued as caloric intake increased and weight gain progressed.


CONCLUSIONS
Although classically liver function test elevations occur during refeeding, as a manifestation of excessive calories and fat deposition in the liver, they may also be elevated due to severe malnutrition before refeeding has commenced and improved as refeeding occurs.
Department of Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado 80204, USA.
Vignesh
V
Narayanan
Jennifer L
JL
Gaudiani
Robert Hill
RH
Harris
Philip S
PS
Mehler
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D001706:Biopsy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology