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Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Protocol

Meta-analysis of structural MRI studies in anorexia nervosa and the role of recovery: a systematic review protocol

Authors: Melissa J Dreier, Avery L. Van De Water, Danielle L. Kahn, Kendra R. Becker, Kamryn T. Eddy, Jennifer J. Thomas, Laura M. Holsen, Elizabeth A. Lawson, Madhusmita Misra, Amanda E. Lyall, Lauren Breithaupt

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with structural brain abnormalities. Studies have reported less cerebral tissue and more cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in individuals with AN relative to healthy controls, although findings are variable and inconsistent due to variations in sample size, age, and disease state (e.g., active AN, weight-recovered AN). Further, it remains unclear if structural brain abnormalities observed in AN are a consequence of specific brain pathologies or malnutrition, as very few longitudinal neuroimaging studies in AN have been completed.

Methods

To overcome this issue, this comprehensive meta-analysis will combine region-of-interest (ROI) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approaches to understand how regional and global structural brain abnormalities differ among individuals with AN and healthy controls (HCs). Additionally, we aim to understand how clinical characteristics and physiological changes during the course of illness, including acute illness vs. weight recovery, may moderate these structural abnormalities. We will create an online database of studies that have investigated structural brain abnormalities in AN. Data will be reviewed independently by two members of our team using MEDLINE databases, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL. We will conduct ROI and VBM meta-analysis using seed-based d mapping in AN and HCs. We will include all studies that include structural neuroimaging of individuals with AN (both acute and weight-recovered) and HCs between January 1997 and 2020.

Discussion

This systematic review will assess the effects of AN compared to HC on brain structure. Futhermore, it will explore the role of acute AN and weight-recovered AN on brain structure. Findings will help researchers and clinicians to better understand the course of illness in AN and the nature of recovery, in terms of weight, malnutrition, and the state of the brain.

Systematic review registration

Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Meta-analysis of structural MRI studies in anorexia nervosa and the role of recovery: a systematic review protocol
Authors
Melissa J Dreier
Avery L. Van De Water
Danielle L. Kahn
Kendra R. Becker
Kamryn T. Eddy
Jennifer J. Thomas
Laura M. Holsen
Elizabeth A. Lawson
Madhusmita Misra
Amanda E. Lyall
Lauren Breithaupt
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01799-y

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