Frontiers in Psychiatry (Nov 2023)

Case report: Rapid improvements of anorexia nervosa and probable myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome upon metreleptin treatment during two dosing episodes

  • Johannes Hebebrand,
  • Jochen Antel,
  • Linda von Piechowski,
  • Cordula Kiewert,
  • Burkhard Stüve,
  • Burkhard Stüve,
  • Gertraud Gradl-Dietsch

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1267495
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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A comorbidity of anorexia nervosa (AN) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CSF) is uncommon. A 17 years-old male adolescent with possible onset of ME/CFS after an Epstein Barr Virus infection (EBV) and later onset of AN during a second period of weight loss was twice treated off-label with metreleptin for 15 and 11 days, respectively. As in previous cases, eating disorder specific cognitions and mood improved. Interestingly, fatigue and post-exertional muscle pain (P-EMP) improved, too. We discuss potential mechanisms. Treatment with metreleptin may prove beneficial in AN and in ME/CSF associated with substantial weight loss.

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