LIMB CIRCULATION IN ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Abstract

Blood flow, skin temperature and blood pressure of the lower limbs and the effect of indirect, radiant heat on calf blood and leg skin temperature was determined in 16 children with anorexia nervosa [AN] and 14 healthy children of the same age and body height. Calf blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography; arm blood pressure was obtained by tourniquet and toe pressure and digital plethysmograms by a strain-gauge. Skin temperature was measured with a thermocouple. In the AN group, calf blood flow was about 50-60% lower than the mean values observed in the controls and a marked difference was maintained after the heat load. Skin temperature of the knees and toes were higher in the controls. Systolic arm blood pressure and toe pressure were on the average 20 mmHg and 13 mmHg lower in the AN group. There is apparently a heat-conserving, selective peripheral vasoconstriction in the anorexic patients.