End-stage anorexia nervosa in a young man: multifaceted metabolic, endocrine and infectious derangements managed in an internal medicine setting

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) in males is an overlooked disease which requires early diagnosis and proper treatment. Clinical presentation is often severe and the risk of death is not negligible. We report the case of a young man with a 1-year history of AN who was admitted to our internal medicine department for a dramatic malnutrition (BMI: 10.5 kg/m(2)). Several biochemical and hormonal alterations were ascertained. Partial parenteral nutrition and a balanced diet were started. Asymptomatic refeeding syndrome occurred and was managed by enhanced electrolyte parenteral supplementation. Many hematologic abnormalities (anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia) were present and worsened during the occurrence of sepsis which required hemotransfusions and targeted parenteral antibiotics with improvement of both clinical condition and hematologic parameters. Bone marrow aspiration and cytofluorimetric evaluation showed hyperplasia and dysplasia of erythroid lineage and reduction of myeloid lineage. Significant body weight gain (+17 % vs. admission) was obtained and the patient was discharged with stable cardiovascular parameters and referred to an eating disorders centre where is currently followed.