High level increase in liver enzymes and severe thrombocytopenia in a male case of anorexia nervosa(*)

BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a difficult-to-treat psychosomatic disease. Very few cases of acute liver failure associated with AN have been described. We describe one patient who was affected by AN and presented high level increase of serum liver enzymes, along with sever thrombocytopenia. Then, we discuss the possible etiopathogenic factors. METHODS: A 14-year-old boy with AN was admitted in the pediatric psychiatric emergency department of Alzahra Hospital with impaired electrolyte levels, bradycardia, hypotension, liver dysfunction, and thrombocytopenia. RESULTS: A ten-time increase in liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia were observed on admission. After two months of treatment, the levels were within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of initial clinical symptoms and recovery of liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia after the treatment suggested that liver dysfunction and thrombocytopenia may be observed in AN patients and should be taken care of by physicians.