Polydipsia and hyponatremia in a woman with anorexia nervosa

Amit Bahia, Eugene S. Chu, Philip S. Mehler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Hyponatremia is infrequently reported in the constellation of metabolic abnormalities in patients with eating disorders. We sought to identify the etiology and describe the management of a patient with anorexia nervosa and hyponatremia. Method: We report the case of a 23-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa who suffered with severe hyponatremia. Results: The etiology of hyponatremia in this case, as in most patients with eating disorders, was multifactorial, encompassing both hypovolemic and euvolemic categories of hyponatremia. Multiple impairments in the ability to clear free water are responsible for a heightened risk for hyponatremia in patients with anorexia nervosa. Discussion: This case underscores the importance of careful scrutiny of fluid intake, an awareness of medications that lead to hyponatremia, and the need for regular monitoring of serum electrolytes, even in patients with anorexia nervosa, to allow for an early diagnosis and to assist in the formulation of an effective treatment and prevention strategy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)186-188
Number of pages3
JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders
Volume44
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • anorexia nervosa
  • hyponatremia
  • polydipsia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Polydipsia and hyponatremia in a woman with anorexia nervosa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this