Impact of somatic severity on long-term mortality in anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Purpose: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe pathology on account of the high levels of associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess whether time in somatic intensive care unit, justified by a patient’s somatic condition in the course of hospital care, has any relationship with patient outcome in terms of mortality in the long term. Methods: 195 patients were hospitalised for AN between April 1996 and May 2002, 97 were re-assessed 9 years later on average. Results: Out of 195 patients hospitalised for AN between April 1996 and May 2002, 29 had required transfer to intensive care. Mortality at 9 years was 20 times higher in the group having been transferred to intensive care, irrespective of the duration of follow-up. Conclusion: The clinical seriousness of the somatic condition during hospitalisation for AN is a risk factor for excess mortality in the medium term.