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Investigations

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • electrolyte disturbance - notably hypokalaemia. Hypochloraemia may be present
    • assess fluid and electrolyte balance in people with an eating disorder who are believed to be engaging in compensatory behaviours, such as vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, or water loading (1)
    • metabolic alkalosis may be seen (1)
  • serum amylase is sometimes raised - cause uncertain
  • endocrine function has not been systematically studied
  • assess whether ECG monitoring is needed in people with an eating disorder, based on the following risk factors (1):
    • rapid weight loss
    • excessive exercise
    • severe purging behaviours, such as laxative or diuretic use or vomiting
    • bradycardia
    • hypotension
    • excessive caffeine (including from energy drinks)
    • prescribed or non-prescribed medications
    • muscular weakness
    • electrolyte imbalance
    • previous abnormal heart rhythm.

Reference:

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