Cardiac Complications Associated with Eating Disorders in Children:A Multicenter Retrospective Study
10.5223/pghn.2022.25.5.432
- Author:
So Yoon CHOI
1
;
Kyung Jae LEE
;
Soon Chul KIM
;
Eun Hye LEE
;
Yoo Min LEE
;
Yu-Bin KIM
;
Dae Yong YI
;
Ju Young KIM
;
Ben KANG
;
Hyo-Jeong JANG
;
Suk Jin HONG
;
You Jin CHOI
;
Hyun Jin KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
2022;25(5):432-440
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Eating disorders often result in somatic complications, including cardiac abnormalities. Cardiac abnormalities may involve any part of the heart, including the cardiac conduction system, and can lead to sudden cardiac death. The current study aimed to evaluate the incidence of cardiac complications in pediatric patients with eating disorders and their associated factors.
Methods:We retrospectively analyzed patients aged 10–18 years who were diagnosed with DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-V) eating disorders and underwent electrocardiography (ECG) and/or echocardiography between January 2015 and May 2020.
Results:In total, 127 patients were included, of whom 113 (89.0%) were female. The median body mass index (BMI) was 15.05±3.69 kg/m2 . Overall, 74 patients (58.3%) had ECG abnormalities, with sinus bradycardia being the most common abnormality (91.9%). Patients with ECG abnormalities had significantly lower BMI (14.35±2.78 kg/m2 vs. 16.06± 4.55 kg/m2 , p<0.001) than patients without ECG abnormalities, as well as lower phosphorus and higher cholesterol levels. Among the 46 patients who underwent echocardiographic evaluation, 23 (50.0%) had echocardiographic abnormalities, with pericardial effusion being the most common (60.9%). The median left ventricular mass (LVM) and ejection fraction were 67.97±21.25 g and 66.91±28.76%, respectively. LVM and BMI showed a positive correlation (r=0.604, p<0.001). After weight gain, the amount of pericardial effusion was reduced in 3 patients, and 30 patients presented with normal ECG findings.
Conclusion:Cardiac abnormalities are relatively frequent in patients with eating disorders.Physicians should focus on this somatic complication and careful monitoring is required.
