Osteopenia in Anorexia Nervosa Research Study

Massachusetts General Hospital ~ Neuroendocrine Unit

Why are we looking at bone density in people with anorexia nervosa?

In a number of small studies, osteopenia has been demonstrated to be a severe,
frequent and often permanen medical complication of anorexia nervosa that
results in debilitating vertebral crush fractures (1-5). However, there have
been no previous studies of predictors of anorexia in men. Research of the
determinants of osteopenia has been limited to a few individual factors and
different skeletal sites. We hypothesize that there is a complex
interrelationship between food intake, exercise, hormones, and weight that
determines osteopenia at the different skeletal sites and further that these
determinants differ among the various skeletal sites.

What happens in the study?

The study involves one visit of approximately 2 ½ hours. We will perform 4
different bone density scans: anterior-posterior spine, hip, wrist, and total
body. We will also conduct a history and physical exam and perform blood tests
to check the levels of several different hormones and electrolytes.
Questionnaires will be given to you to complete to determine general activity
level, nature and severity of the eating disorder, calcium food intake, and
menstrual history if applicable. At the end of the visit, our study physician
will sit down with you to go over the preliminary results of your bone density
scans and will answer any questions that you have at that time.

What is the goal of the study?

For men, we aim to investigate the prevalence of osteopenia in the spine, hip,
wrist, and total body and to identify possible predictors of osteopenia.

Who is eligible?

In order to be eligible for a screening visit, you should be a male between the
ages of 18 and 50 with anorexia nervosa.

What are the benefits of study participation?

*Bone density scans and lab tests at no cost

*Complete nutritional screening and health assessment



Call Study Coordinator, Kelly Grieco at (617) 724-5784 or email her at
<mailto:nmacomber@...> KGRIECO@... for more information



References:

1. Ayers JWT, Gidwani GP, Schmidt IMV, Gross M. 1984 Osteopenia in
hypoestrogenemic young women with anorexia nervosa. Fertil Steril. 41:224-228.

2. Brotman AW, Stern TA. 1985 Osteoporosis and pathological fractures in
anorexia nervosa. Am J Psychiatry. 142:495-496.

3. Rigotti NA, Neer RM, Skates SJ, Herzog DB, Nussbaum SR. 1991 The clinical
course of osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa. JAMA. 265:1133-1138.

4. Szmukler GI, Brown SW, Parson V, Darby A. 1985 Premature loss of bone in
chronic anorexia nervosa. Br Med J. 290:26-27.

5. Treasure J, Fogelman I, Russell GF. 1986 Osteopaenia of the lumbar spine and
femoral neck in anorexia nervosa. Scott Med J. 31:206-207.



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