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Physical Complications in Anorexia Nervosa

Haematological and Neuromuscular Changes in 12 Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

E. Shur*
Affiliation:
Queen Mary's Hospital and Westminster Hospital Medical School
R. Alloway
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital
R. Obrecht
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital
G. F. M. Russell
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry and Maudsley Hospital
*
Queen Mary's University Hospital, Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PN

Abstract

Of twelve patients consecutively admitted to the Maudsley Hospital Eating Disorders Unit, four had neuromuscular abnormality, eight haematological abnormality, and four no abnormality. All those having neuromuscular signs had concomitant haematological dysfunction. Vomiting, and food restriction with vegetarianism, appeared more likely to lead to complications than either food restriction alone or laxative abuse. The physical status of severely underweight patients admitted for refeeding needs to be carefully monitored.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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