ABSTRACT: The purpose of this article is to clarify the finding of liver function test abnormalities in anorexia nervosa (AN). Literature review and description of two representative cases of severe liver function test abnormalities from our medical stabilization unit. Abnormal elevation of liver function tests can occur during the process of refeeding patients with severe AN.

ABSTRACT: In this article, we will examine the most common emergency department presentations of eating disorder patients, review the pathophysiologic changes that lead to such presentations, and discuss the appropriate management of each patient. Literature review of current practices.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) by (1) a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight (eg, a body weight of <85% of expected body weight or a body mass index [BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared] of <17.5), (2) an intense fear of gaining weight, (3) a disturbance in the evaluation of one's own body shape, and (4) amenorrhea.

ABSTRACT: Bulimia nervosa has many medical complications associated with the different modes of purging utilized by these patients. There also are inherent medical complications associated with chronic purging when these behaviors are abruptly discontinued. These complications experienced by a patient with bulimia nervosa when they decide to cease purging, can be a strong deterrent to successfully treating this disorder.

ABSTRACT: Anorexia nervosa (AN) carries the highest mortality of any psychiatric disorder largely attributable to sudden cardiac death and suicide. Controversy exists regarding the underlying mechanism of cardiac risk, whether QT prolongation is a consistent feature of the disorder and whether repolarization varies by disease severity. Some of the uncertainty may relate to a lack of standardized electrocardiography (ECG).

ABSTRACT: PseudoBartter's syndrome, a complex pattern of seemingly unrelated metabolic abnormalities, is frequently seen in patients with eating disorders, particularly those who indulge in purging behaviors. We present two cases that, despite divergent background histories and clinical presentations, possess the unifying pathophysiology that ultimately leads to this syndrome. Case report and review of literature pertaining to Bartter's and PseudoBartter's syndromes.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this case report is to increase awareness among clinicians that oropharyngeal dysphagia occurs in patients with severe anorexia nervosa, placing them at risk for aspiration and impeding nutritional rehabilitation. We describe a patient with severe anorexia nervosa who manifested symptoms of dysphagia, with resultant aspiration pneumonia, at the time of her admission for medical stabilization.

ABSTRACT: Among psychiatric conditions, anorexia nervosa carries the highest mortality, in part due to the propensity for rhythm disturbances among patients with advanced disease. Patients with anorexia nervosa are prone to both bradycardia and tachyarrhythmias, though mortality has not been associated with the former.

ABSTRACT: To describe the phenomenon of persistent vaginal bleeding intwo patients with severe anorexia nervosa. We report two cases of young women with severe anorexia nervosa reporting vaginal bleeding that persisted for months despite trials of topical and systemic conjugated estrogen therapy. A speculum exam by a gynecologist ultimately revealed the source of the bleeding to be tampon‐induced vaginal ulcers.

ABSTRACT: Anorexia nervosa carries the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. Even the most critically ill anorexic patients may present with normal 'standard' laboratory values, underscoring the need for a new sensitive biomarker. The complement cascade, a major component of innate immunity, represents a driving force in the pathophysiology of multiple inflammatory disorders. The role of complement in anorexia nervosa remains poorly understood.