Interpreting the Complete Blood Count in Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia are frequent complications of anorexia nervosa. The complete blood count provides useful information to diagnose and characterize these findings. Anemia tends to be normocytic and normochromic. Leukopenia manifests as a deficiency of lymphocytes or neutrophils. Thrombocytopenia, if severe, may confer a bleeding risk. A careful history and physical examination should be performed to evaluate for other possible etiologies of cytopenias. Cell line deficiencies related solely to anorexia nervosa often resolve with nutritional rehabilitation. Knowledge of these potential findings and their expected outcomes may help avoid costly and potentially invasive procedures in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Assessment of Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Adolescents

“…Blood counts are often mildly abnormal secondary to bone marrow atrophy [23,24]. Evidence points to a possible increase in infectious complications [24].…”

Changes in Platelet Count and Size Indices in Adolescent Patients With Anorexia Nervosa

“…9,17 These deficiencies disappear completely and rapidly following sufficient refeeding. 7,8 Some authors 8 reported correlation between low PLT and duration of the eating disorder. However, this trend was not confirmed in our group of patients.…”

“…[3][4][5] It has been demonstrated that thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication of AN, which often resolves itself with nutritional rehabilitation. [6][7][8][9][10] Platelet volume measurements, such as mean platelet volume (MPV; an indicator of platelet size) and platelet distribution width (PDW; an index of platelet size heterogeneity), are simple and useful parameters related to platelet function and activation. Platelet size is widely available as part of a full blood count analysis.…”

Medical complications of bulimia nervosa and their treatments

“…52 Also, in contrast with anorexia nervosa, the complete blood count (CBC) is not abnormal in patients with bulimia nervosa. 53 However, there are some endocrine abnormalities found in patient with bulimia nervosa. Although irregular menses, which affect fertility, are common during episodes of active bulimia, the future ability to conceive is not impaired in patients who recover from bulimia.…”