Inpatient weight curve trajectory as a prognostic factor among adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a preliminary report

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of weight restoration trajectories for relapse within the first year after discharge from inpatient treatment among adolescents with AN. Methods: Forty four inpatient adolescents (5 boys, 39 girls) aged 11–18 (M 14.85, SD 1.87) diagnosed with anorexia were assessed at admission and discharge from a general hospital inpatient ward. Re-hospitalizations within 1 year of discharge were recorded. Factors assessed included 1/BMI at admission, 2/BMI at discharge, 3/percent from target weight (PFTW) at discharge, 4/length of hospitalization, and 5/a weight restoration trajectory measuring weight drops during inpatient weight restoration (rates of negative cubic variation in body weight (NCV). Results: Logistic regression indicated that negative cubic variation rates (NCV) predicted re-hospitalization. PFTW was found only marginally significant. Conclusion: Variations in weight restoration during inpatient treatment may be used to identify patients at risk for relapse. NCV can alert clinicians to initiate early relapse prevention interventions before discharge. Level of Evidence Level III, cohort study.