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Anorexia nervosa might be marker of neuropsychiatric SLE
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The presence of anorexia nervosa in girls with systemic lupus erythematosus suggested that the eating disorder might be a novel presentation of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, according to research presented at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine Annual Meeting in Atlanta.
Canadian researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of six girls diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and anorexia nervosa (AN) at a Toronto hospital between January 1989 and January 2011. The researchers collected demographic data, clinical and laboratory manifestations of disease, and management. All patients met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -IV criteria for AN, restricting subtype.
The median age of onset of AN symptoms was 12.2 years, and AN diagnosis at 13.6 years. SLE was diagnosed at a median age of 14.2 years, with median time following onset of AN symptoms of 20 months. Arthritis was developed by all patients, who also were positive for antinuclear antibody. Concurrent psychiatric symptoms including anxiety, depression and cognitive dysfunction, were experienced by five patients.
“This is the largest case series of children and adolescents with AN and pediatric SLE,” the researchers concluded. “Children and adolescents diagnosed with AN who present with or develop joint symptoms should be investigated for SLE.”
For more information: Toulany, A. 56 – Poster Session 1: Eating Disorders. Presented at: Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine 2013 Annual Meeting; March 13-16, Atlanta.