Polydipsia and hyponatremia in a woman with anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
Hyponatremia is infrequently reported in the constellation of metabolic abnormalities in patients with eating disorders. We sought to identify the etiology and describe the management of a patient with anorexia nervosa and hyponatremia.


METHODS
We report the case of a 23-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa who suffered with severe hyponatremia.


RESULTS
The etiology of hyponatremia in this case, as in most patients with eating disorders, was multifactorial, encompassing both hypovolemic and euvolemic categories of hyponatremia. Multiple impairments in the ability to clear free water are responsible for a heightened risk for hyponatremia in patients with anorexia nervosa.


CONCLUSIONS
This case underscores the importance of careful scrutiny of fluid intake, an awareness of medications that lead to hyponatremia, and the need for regular monitoring of serum electrolytes, even in patients with anorexia nervosa, to allow for an early diagnosis and to assist in the formulation of an effective treatment and prevention strategy.
Bahia
Amit
A
Department of Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado 80204, USA.
Chu
Eugene S
ES
Mehler
Philip S
PS
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000209:etiology*; D011141:Polyuria / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult