Anemia in Anorexia Nervosa : The Best Way to Deal with it-An Overview of Literature

Objective: Anemia is a condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells. It is also one of the more common haematological complications of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). More often it is a benign complication resolving itself with proper anorexia nervosa care and refeeding but several cases may require more specific therapeutics. Method: A systematic literature overview was performed using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library and hand searching of relevant journals. Results: Etiology of anemia in patients with AN can be in one of five categories: bone marrow malfunction, deprivation anemia, hemolysis, loss of hemoglobin, or inflammation. A complete blood work is necessary to pinpoint the exact etiology. Anemia within anorexic patients can be a very serious complication depending on its severity and etiology. Discussion: Guidelines for the proper care of anemia within AN are critically needed since it can be a serious condition within those patients depending on its precise etiology. Unfavourable outcomes are more likely to happen if the weight loss was quick or if there are other comorbidities. We propose that each patient with active AN have a complete blood work with CBC, MCV, serum haptoglobin and iron levels, blood type and rhesus blood group, CRP, sedimentation rate and a complete iron blood work. If everything comes back normal on both, then there is no need to check it again if there is no unusual event. Treatment of anemia within AN should not be limited to a symptomatic treatment, but might also include etiological treatment and transdisciplinary approach if needed.