Prolonged starvation--a dangerous procedure?
Experience with 18 obese patients who have undergone prolonged (60 days) therapeutic starvation shows that in general this is a safe procedure, but there are significant associated hazards, particularly a breakdown in electrolyte homoeostasis. The need for close biochemical control of such patients is stressed.
D000005:Abdomen; D000090:Acetoacetates / Q000652:urine; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001835:Body Weight; D005215:Fasting / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000652:urine; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis; D011188:Potassium / Q000652:urine; D012964:Sodium / Q000652:urine; D013217:Starvation / Q000378:metabolism*; D014556:Urine; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
D000090:Acetoacetates; D012964:Sodium; D009584:Nitrogen; D011188:Potassium