title: Medical management of acute severe anorexia nervosa.
abstract: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a common condition affecting young people. The medical management of AN on a general paediatric ward is challenging. It is important to identify young people who are at risk of medical complications, so early intervention can be instigated. This article aims to review the clinical practice and evidence supporting the current medical management of young people with AN. It provides a system-based approach to potential complications of the disease, guidance on feeding and the management of re-feeding syndrome. Approaches to legal and ethical challenges are also considered. While the importance of psychiatric treatment is recognised, the same is not discussed within this article.
authors.affiliation: Anaesthetics and Critical Care, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Norrington
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stanley
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tremlett
authors.forename: Ginny
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Birrell
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003068:Coercion; D006801:Humans; D057828:Informed Consent By Minors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000188:drug therapy; D010290:Parents; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D055677:Refeeding Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D006113:United Kingdom