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. 1970 Aug 22;3(5720):432-5.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.3.5720.432.

Prolonged starvation--a dangerous procedure?

J Runcie, T J Thomson

Prolonged starvation--a dangerous procedure?

J Runcie et al. Br Med J. .

Abstract

Experience with 18 obese patients who have undergone prolonged (60 days) therapeutic starvation shows that in general this is a safe procedure, but there are significant associated hazards, particularly a breakdown in electrolyte homoeostasis. The need for close biochemical control of such patients is stressed.

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