Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG69/3

Question

Predictors of acute physical risk:- What clinical and biochemical markers are the best predictors of acute physical risk for people with eating disorders?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important Medical conditions such as bradycardia, hypotension and hypothermia are common in people who are underweight because of an eating disorder. Key markers of medical instability due to underweight such as pulse rate, blood pressure, and degree of underweight are commonly used as indications of risk in people with eating disorders. A number of internationally used risk frameworks are based on these markers and are important in decision-making for people with eating disorders (in particular when deciding whether to admit someone, whether to use compulsory care, and how to provide nutrition). The medical markers of acute risk are used throughout this guideline. Despite their importance, almost all of the conventional risk frameworks are based on consensus with little validation. There is also a shortage of information on the physical factors most associated with mortality in eating disorders. Validated tools (such as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] scores) are central to risk prediction in other areas of medical care, and it would be very useful to have a tool like this for eating disorders. Research is therefore needed to validate the range of individual clinical and biochemical markers, both individually and collectively, as predictors for physical harm (including death).

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Eating disorders: recognition and treatment

Number

NG69

Date issued

May 2017

Other details