Anorexia in Adolescence

The purpose of this pilot randomized-controlled trial is to determine whether Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) treatment demonstrates feasibility, acceptability, and prelinary effectiveness among patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Specifically, the investigators aim to compare changes in weight, gut microbiome, urine, blood biomarkers and mood symptoms between participants receiving the FMT intervention and placebo.

Patients with restrictive-type anorexia nervosa who are admitted to the hospital for feeding often urinate excessive amounts. Others have changes in the way that they handle acid and base. These issues prolong hospitalizations. Current data suggest that one hormone--named secretin--may control both urine output and how the body handles acid and base. This study will evaluate whether secretin levels are different in anorexic patients who urinate an excessive amount compared to those who urinate normal amounts. For this study, patients will have one extra blood draw before and after one meal during their hospitalization. The blood draw before the meal coincides with a standard of care blood draw. Also after the meal, subjects will be asked to provide one extra urine sample. Information from subject's medical records will also be used.

The FIAT study is funded by the Innovationsfonds of the German Ministry of Health via the DLR Project Management Agency. The study will be conducted in up to 21 hospitals across Germany and in collaboration with 10 German public health insurance companies. The primary aim of this study is to compare Family-Based Treatment delivered via telehealth (FBT) with inpatient multimodal therapy (IMT) with respect to treatment outcomes and health economic data. The results of the study will serve as a basis for the decision on the inclusion of FBT in the German S3 guidelines and the future reimbursement of FBT by public health insurances in Germany.