Serum electrolytes in bulimic patients with parotid swellings.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether electrolyte levels can be used to diagnose bulimia nervosa (BN).

STUDY

DESIGN

Four patients with bilateral parotid swellings and BN or suspected BN were examined. Their serum electrolyte levels were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

In this limited study, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis were present in 1 patient. One patient showed both hypochloremia and hypokalemia, whereas a third patient had only hypochloremia and a low normal serum potassium. The fourth patient demonstrated suspiciously low serum levels of Cl(-) and K(+).

CONCLUSION

Because BN patients tend to be secretive regarding their disorder, serum electrolyte levels may serve as useful tools in diagnosing parotid swellings initiated by bulimia.