3-D bedside scanning to track malnutrition in anorexia nervosa
Official title: 3-Dimensional optical scanning to assess and monitor malnutrition in Eating Disorders (3D-ED) Study
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11368870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A bedside 3D optical scan method will help track malnutrition in adolescents with anorexia nervosa during hospitalization.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $681,405 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD119553-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adolescents with anorexia nervosa who are hospitalized for refeeding and malnutrition management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without malnutrition or those not undergoing hospitalization for AN may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a quick, noninvasive 3D imaging device at the patient’s bedside to measure body composition and monitor malnutrition in teens with anorexia nervosa. By tracking changes in fat-free mass and other compartments, clinicians may better predict who needs intensive care during refeeding. The study builds on prior work showing 3D scans align with DXA for detecting malnutrition at low BMI and aims to apply this in hospitalized patients who are too unstable for traditional scans. The goal is to reduce hospital stays and unplanned readmissions by providing more accurate, bedside assessments. The work is conducted at UCSF with collaboration among clinicians and imaging researchers over several years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, bedside 3D imaging could improve early detection of malnutrition and guide safer, more effective refeeding.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies showed good agreement between 3D imaging and DXA for malnutrition assessment at low BMI, supporting potential success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garber, Andrea K — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Garber, Andrea K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.