Screening for osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa: Prevalence and predictors of reduced bone mineral density

Objective: Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in anorexia nervosa (AN) can be detected easily by dual-energy Xray absorptiometry (DXA). This study was designed to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in AN, identify predictors, and determine the diagnostic yield of screening with DXA. Method: DXA was used to screen 59 unselected adult patients with a history of AN. Results: Osteoporosis was identified in 18 patients (31%) and osteopenia in 30 (51%). The spine had a lower mean T-score than either the hip or femur. BMI significantly predicted T-score (p = 0.0006) and the odds of having osteoporosis (p = 0.0188). There was a significant association between use of oestrogens and the presence of osteoporosis or osteopenia (p = 0.0491). There was no significant association between duration of AN and T-score. A duration of AN of less than 1 year was found in 12% of those with osteoporosis. Conclusion: BMI is a strong predictor of BMD in AN. DXA is an effective screening tool and should probably be offered routinely. (c) 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.