Use of a Proton-Pump Inhibitor for Metabolic Disturbances Associated with Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

To the Editor: Anorexia nervosa is sometimes accompanied by self-induced vomiting. Associated electrolyte disturbances such as metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia1,2 may predispose patients to arrhythmias and can be difficult to treat. A 32-year-old woman with a four-year history of self-induced vomiting was hospitalized with weight loss and hypokalemia. She had received a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa three years earlier and had undergone psychotherapy. Her medications included diazepam and etizolam. At the time of diagnosis, her serum potassium level was 2.6 mmol per liter; she had been treated with oral potassium chloride supplements and triamterene. On admission to the hospital, . . .