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Weight fluctuations during early refeeding period in anorexia nervosa: Case reports
Author(s) -
Yücel Başak,
Özbey Neşe,
Polat Aslihan,
Yager Joel
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.20050
Subject(s) - refeeding syndrome , anorexia nervosa , medicine , endocrinology , anorexia , edema , reabsorption , weight gain , thirst , urine , insulin , pathophysiology , body weight , eating disorders , kidney , malnutrition , psychiatry
Objective This study reports wide weight fluctuations during a week of early refeeding for 2 patients with anorexia nervosa and discusses possible mechanisms. Method Laboratory tests that consist of complete blood count, biochemistry panel, and serum protein levels were performed. Fluid intake and daily urine output of the patients were measured. Results Laboratory tests were within normal limits for both patients except for leukopenia in one patient. By the end of the Week 1, both patients had achieved significant weight gain (9 kg and 3 kg, respectively) concurrent with edema. Their daily fluid intake and urine output measurements indicated increased total body water levels. Discussion Although the pathophysiology of refeeding edema is not entirely understood, it is well known that insulin induces sodium retention by increasing distal tubular sodium reabsorbtion. In our patients, refeeding‐induced insulin secretion may be chiefly responsible for the edema and weight gain during the early refeeding period. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.