Anorexia nervosa: a life threatening condition
Bates, T.; Zlopasa, O.; Gasparović, V.
Lijecnicki Vjesnik 129(1-2): 11-16
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-3477 PMID: 17489512 Document Number: 611715
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder which, in case of life threating complications, requires admission to the intensive care unit. Our experience shows that danger for these patients does not always stop upon the admission to the intensive care unit. Four young, vitally endangered patients with anorexia nervosa were described. Three of them had severe acute inflammation (2 pneumonias and peritonitis) and severe electrolyte imbalance which in one case resulted in cardiorespiratory arrest and the need for resuscitation. One of them died despite all measures taken in sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Prolonged electrolyte disturbances in anorexia nervosa, catabolism and insufficient immunity are main factors for developing an acute inflammation, as well as some other complications such as cardiorespiratory failure, nosocomial infection, and sepsis with multiple organ failure. Weak and totally exhausted body can not adapt in MODS and sepsis, so our recommendation is urgent admission to the hospital before it is too late.