Which laboratory finding is most likely elevated in a patient with Anorexia Nervosa?

In patients with Anorexia Nervosa, one laboratory finding that is commonly elevated is Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). The elevated BUN levels often result from a combination of several factors associated with the condition.

Firstly, significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies lead to a catabolic state, where the body begins to break down muscle and other tissues for energy. This breakdown generates nitrogen, which is converted to urea in the liver and subsequently excreted by the kidneys. As the body loses mass, particularly muscle, the nitrogen load increases, leading to higher BUN levels.

Additionally, dehydration can also occur in patients with Anorexia Nervosa, either due to reduced fluid intake or increased diuresis, further contributing to an elevated BUN. In this context, BUN can be used as a marker for renal function and hydration status.

Considering the other options, creatinine levels may not be significantly elevated unless there is severe kidney impairment, while hemoglobin may actually decrease due to anemia from malnutrition. Lastly, troponin is primarily used to assess cardiac damage and is not typically elevated in Anorexia Nervosa. Thus, the elevation of BUN in this scenario is directly correlated with the metabolic and physiological changes occurring in