Rhabdomyolysis in an adolescent with nonpurging bulimia nervosa

A 14-year-old girl with a history of nonpurging bulimia nervosa (BN) was presented with muscular pain and weakness after several days of fasting and vigorous exercise. On hospital admission, the serum creatine kinase was 3,277 U/L and serum potassium was 2.5 mmol/L. The creatine kinase level reached a peak of 4,588 U/L before declining after intravenous hydration and correction of electrolytes. Renal function remained normal throughout hospitalization. Rhabdomyolysis has not been previously reported as a complication of BN in an adolescent or in nonpurging BN. Practitioners who treat patients with eating disorders, including BN, should be aware of rhabdomyolysis as a potential complication, because delay in treatment can lead to acute renal failure.