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Serum electrolytes in bulimic patients with parotid swellings
1Salivary Gland Center, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York 10032, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether electrolyte levels can be used to diagnose bulimia nervosa (BN).
Study Design:
Four patients with bilateral parotid swellings and BN or suspected BN were examined. Their serum electrolyte levels were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:
In this limited study, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis were present in 1 patient. One patient showed both hypochloremia and hypokalemia, whereas a third patient had only hypochloremia and a low normal serum potassium. The fourth patient demonstrated suspiciously low serum levels of Cl(-) and K(+).
Conclusion:
Because BN patients tend to be secretive regarding their disorder, serum electrolyte levels may serve as useful tools in diagnosing parotid swellings initiated by bulimia.
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