Hypomagnesemia during refeeding in anorexia nervosa.
BACKGROUND
Magnesium deficiency can cause weakness, constipation, seizures and arrhythmias. We frequently observe hypomagnesemia during refeeding in AN.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence and time of onset of hypomagnesemia during refeeding in anorexia nervosa (AN).


METHODS
Observational cohort study.


METHODS
University teaching hospital in Vancouver, Canada.


METHODS
Patients with AN (DSM-IV criteria) admitted for refeeding.


METHODS
All patients were admitted for supervised refeeding by meal support, in conjunction with our standard medical and psychological treatment.


METHODS
Serum magnesium was measured daily for 5 days and then 3 times a week.


RESULTS
Fifty patients were admitted for an average of 24 days. Sixty percent (30/50) had low serum magnesium during their admission. Hypomagnesemia was present on admission in 16% but as late as the third week of refeeding in others.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum magnesium should be measured on admission and rechecked weekly for the first 3 weeks of refeeding as a minimum.
Birmingham
C L
CL
Eating Disorders Program, St. Paul's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Canada. clbirm@interchange.ubc.ca
Puddicombe
D
D
Hlynsky
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D002149:Energy Intake; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D015995:Prevalence