Original scientific paper
INDICATORS OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Vedrana Škoro Petranović
; Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Department of Food, Vinogradska 29, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Orjena Žaja
; Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Vinogradska 29, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ines Banjari
; Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, University of Osijek, Department of Food and Nutrition Research, F. Kuhača 20, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a permanent disorder of attitude towards food and image of own body which leads to a significant damage to physical health and psycho-emotional functioning. Associated metabolic complications due to the physiological characteristics of the period of growth and sexual development can be potentially irreversible, certainly fatal if detected late.
Aim: To investigate the value of anthropometric parameters, electrolyte deviations and to examine duration and number of hospitalizations depending on the frequency of application, duration and caloric value of nutritional support in adolescent with AN.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective study was conducted on 171 hospitalized patients at the Department of Pediatrics, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre of Zagreb, average age 14.8 ± 2.5 years, analyzing data from their medical records and anthropometric measurements.
Results: Some of the parameters such as body weight, percentage of ideal body weight and body mass index were significantly lower than expected due to age, and for the level of electrolytes-no larger deviations were found. Girls who have received an average 1068.7 ± 425.5 kcal nutritional support per day were longer in the hospital, but fewer times hospitalized.
Conclusion: With regular and appropriate diagnostic approach, this eating disorder can be detected at an earlier stage, when the function of intervention and multidisciplinary professional help (specialist doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical nutritionist) can prevent further development of the disease and consequential health complications.
Keywords
Anorexia nervosa; adolescents; anthropometry; nutritional support; multidisciplinary help
Hrčak ID:
133908
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2014.
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