Percentage from Target Weight (PFTW) Predicts Re-hospitalization in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current study was to investigate whether the percentage of the discharge weight relative to recommended target weight (PFTW) during inpatient treatment predicts re-hospitalization in adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN).

METHOD: 51 hospitalized adolescents with AN were weighed and completed self-reports on admission and discharge. We examined reports regarding rehospitalization within the first year after discharge.

RESULTS

19 patients (37.25%) required re-hospitalization. The proportion of the actual discharge weight relative to target weight (PFTW), previous re-hospitalizations and parental marital status were found to be significant predictors of re-hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the importance of discharge weight relative to target weight (PFTW) for long-term outcome. Failure to obtain discharge target weight is a significant predictor of re-hospitalization in adolescent AN.