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. 2004 Sep;9(3):236-7.
doi: 10.1007/BF03325074.

Hypomagnesemia during refeeding in anorexia nervosa

C L Birmingham  1 , D Puddicombe, J Hlynsky
Affiliations

Hypomagnesemia during refeeding in anorexia nervosa

C L Birmingham et al. Eat Weight Disord. 2004 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Magnesium deficiency can cause weakness, constipation, seizures and arrhythmias. We frequently observe hypomagnesemia during refeeding in AN.

Objective: To determine the incidence and time of onset of hypomagnesemia during refeeding in anorexia nervosa (AN).

Design: Observational cohort study.

Setting: University teaching hospital in Vancouver, Canada.

Patients: Patients with AN (DSM-IV criteria) admitted for refeeding.

Intervention: All patients were admitted for supervised refeeding by meal support, in conjunction with our standard medical and psychological treatment.

Measurements: Serum magnesium was measured daily for 5 days and then 3 times a week.

Results: Fifty patients were admitted for an average of 24 days. Sixty percent (30/50) had low serum magnesium during their admission. Hypomagnesemia was present on admission in 16% but as late as the third week of refeeding in others.

Conclusion: Serum magnesium should be measured on admission and rechecked weekly for the first 3 weeks of refeeding as a minimum.

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