Renal and electrolyte complications in eating disorders: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Plain English summary Eating disorders are common and serious mental health disorders with frequent medical complications. This review discusses some of the problems with kidney function and electrolyte abnormalities that occur in patients with eating disorders. Common eating disorders discussed are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa involves eating very small amounts of food and may include intentional vomiting or misuse of medications called laxatives or diuretics. These behaviors can cause decreased blood flow to the kidneys and subsequent kidney failure, as well as problems with important electrolytes in the body including potassium and sodium. These can lead to very serious problems, including death. Patients dealing with these issues should be seen by their doctor and potentially hospitalized for treatment.

Keywords

• Eating disorders
• Anorexia nervosa
• Binging
• Purging
• Kidney failure
• Renal disease