Evolução nutricional de pacientes comtranstornos alimentares: Experiência de 30 anos de um Hospital Universitário

Abstract

Objective To describe the changes in the nutritional status and biochemical parameters of patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa during inpatient treatment at a specialized service. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients followed by the service from 1982 to 2011 who had been hospitalized for treatment. Sociodemographic data, weight, height, and biochemical tests were collected at hospital admission and discharge. Results During the period, 83 patients diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia nervosa had been hospitalized for treatment. Most were female (95.2%), white (94.0%), single (76.0%), and childless (78.3%). The predominant diagnosis was anorexia nervosa (85.5%), especially the restrictive type (54.2%). The body mass index of adult patients (n=41) increasedfrom 16.53±4.9 to 17.47±4.3kg/m2 (p<0.05), and of children and adolescents (n=38), from 13.78±2.57 to 15.11±2.99kg/m2 (p<0.05). The mean values of most biochemical parameters were within the normal limits, and only the mean beta-carotene levels were elevated at admission and discharge. Albumin, hematocrit, high-density lipoprotein, and potassium levels were higher at discharge (p<0.05). Conclusion Despite the difficulties and complexities inherent to the treatment of eating disorders, especially patients' resistance to weight recovery, inpatient treatment can improve nutritional status and normalize several biochemical parameters.