title: Immunogenicity and safety of H1N1 vaccination in anorexia nervosa--results from a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In anorexia nervosa (AN) patients immunologic alterations are known, although their clinical significance remains a matter of debate. Currently, no recommendation can be given on the safety and immunogenicity of indicated vaccinations in this malnourished population.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this exploratory study, 10 AN patients' (eight female, two male, mean age 31.1 years, SD 16.3 years; mean BMI 14.8 kg/m(2), SD 1.6 kg/m(2)) antibody levels against H1N1 influenza were measured before vaccination, and were followed-up for two and three weeks after vaccination. They were compared with the immunological response in normal weight population, as reported in the literature. Clinical and socio-demographical data were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the AN group, H1N1 vaccination showed to be sufficiently immunogenic and safe, comparable to published data of normal weight population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings provide preliminary evidence that vaccination seems recommendable even in extremely underweight AN patients. Further studies are needed to corroborate the present findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. zastrow@med.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zastrow
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schnitzler
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Eckerle
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Herzog
authors.forename: Hans-Christoph
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Friederich
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D061214:Patient Safety; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines