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Hypomagnesemia during refeeding in anorexia nervosa
C L Birmingham1, D Puddicombe, J Hlynsky
1Eating Disorders Program, St. Paul's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Canada. clbirm@interchange.ubc.ca
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|January 20, 2005
Summary
Hypomagnesemia is common during refeeding in anorexia nervosa (AN). Monitoring serum magnesium levels is crucial, as deficiency can occur throughout the initial weeks of nutritional rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Nutrition
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Magnesium deficiency can lead to serious health issues including weakness, constipation, seizures, and arrhythmias.
- Hypomagnesemia is frequently observed in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) during the refeeding process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and time of onset of hypomagnesemia during refeeding in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).
Main Methods:
- Observational cohort study conducted at a university teaching hospital.
- Included patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) according to DSM-IV criteria, admitted for supervised refeeding.
- Serum magnesium levels were measured daily for the first 5 days, then thrice weekly.
Main Results:
- Sixty percent (30/50) of patients experienced low serum magnesium during their admission.
- Hypomagnesemia was present on admission in 16% of patients.
- In some cases, hypomagnesemia was detected as late as the third week of refeeding.
Conclusions:
- Serum magnesium monitoring is recommended upon admission for patients with AN.
- Regular rechecking of serum magnesium levels, at least weekly for the first three weeks of refeeding, is advised.