Immunogenicity and safety of H1N1 vaccination in anorexia nervosa--results from a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: In anorexia nervosa (AN) patients immunologic alterations are known, although their clinical significance remains a matter of debate. Currently, no recommendation can be given on the safety and immunogenicity of indicated vaccinations in this malnourished population.

Method: In this exploratory study, 10 AN patients' (eight female, two male, mean age 31.1 years, SD 16.3 years; mean BMI 14.8 kg/m(2), SD 1.6 kg/m(2)) antibody levels against H1N1 influenza were measured before vaccination, and were followed-up for two and three weeks after vaccination. They were compared with the immunological response in normal weight population, as reported in the literature. Clinical and socio-demographical data were collected.

Results: In the AN group, H1N1 vaccination showed to be sufficiently immunogenic and safe, comparable to published data of normal weight population.

Discussion: The findings provide preliminary evidence that vaccination seems recommendable even in extremely underweight AN patients. Further studies are needed to corroborate the present findings.