• Medicine · Dec 2023

    Case Reports

    Macrocytic anemia induced by selenium deficiency in the course of anorexia nervosa: A case report.

    • Ryusei Nishi, Kenichiro Sagiyama, Kazumasa Hamada, Takamasa Fukumoto, Ryuichi Kato, Takako Yamamoto, Yuuki Fuku, Haruka Amitani, and Akihiro Asakawa.
    • Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
    • Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Dec 22; 102 (51): e36740e36740.

    RationaleAnorexia nervosa is characterized by an extreme fear of weight gain. Clinicians often prescribe meal replacement shakes if patients are unable or unwilling to consume typical foods. However, these shakes sometimes lack essential micronutrients, such as selenium, which may lead to health risks. Moreover, selenium deficiency induces macrocytic anemia. Herein, we present a case of a patient with anorexia nervosa with macrocytic anemia due to selenium deficiency, which was alleviated by selenium supplementation.Patient ConcernsAn 18-year-old female was admitted to our hospital. The patient was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Ultimately, she was unable to walk independently because of fatigue and electrolyte disturbances.Clinical FindingsOn admission, the height, weight, and body mass index of the patient were 158.5 cm, 27.1 kg, and 10.8, respectively. Our treatment for anorexia nervosa showed relative effectiveness, and the patient's body weight recovered to 29.2 kg by day 60. However, the mean corpuscular volume increased from day 20, suggesting macrocytic anemia.Diagnoses, Interventions, And OutcomesDespite our vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation interventions, the mean corpuscular volume continued to rise. On day 60, the patient was diagnosed with selenium deficiency, and selenium administration of 100 μg/day was initiated.OutcomesThe macrocytic anemia in the patient was alleviated, and treatment for anorexia nervosa was continued in our hospital.LessonsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of macrocytic anemia induced by selenium deficiency with anorexia nervosa comorbidity, underscoring the importance of selenium supplementation in patients with anorexia nervosa, especially in those with macrocytic anemia.Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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