Delirium and refeeding syndrome in anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on delirium and refeeding syndrome in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and present case examples in an attempt to identify common clinical features and response to therapy.


METHODS
A comprehensive literature review was completed. In addition to the cases identified in the literature, we present two additional cases of our own.


RESULTS
We identified a total of 10 cases (all female; mean age 19 years old, range 12-29 years); 2/3 of the cases had similar clinical features predating the delirium and during refeeding.


CONCLUSIONS
Delirium, albeit rare, can be associated with the refeeding syndrome in low weight patients with AN. During the initial refeeding phase, close monitoring of medical, metabolic, and psychological parameters are important in establishing factors that may elevate risk. Early detection and treatment of delirium using nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic means are also important to help minimize the effects of this potentially deadly condition.
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. mnorris@cheo.on.ca
Mark L
ML
Norris
Leora
L
Pinhas
Pierre-Olivier
PO
Nadeau
Debra K
DK
Katzman
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003693:Delirium / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055677:Refeeding Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology