Refeeding oedema in anorexia nervosa

HL Tey, SC Lim, AM Snodgrass
Correspondence: Dr Hong Liang Tey, teyhl@snail-mail.net

ABSTRACT
Refeeding oedema in patients with anorexia nervosa is a known but yet under-reported and poorly-understood condition. We illustrate this condition in a 19-year-old girl with anorexia nervosa who developed bipedal oedema after she was started on nutritional therapy. It is important to be aware of the differential diagnoses of oedema in such cases, which includes heart failure and previous diuretic abuse. Refeeding oedema generally resolves spontaneously but some individuals may require treatment.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa, eating disorder, oedema, refeeding oedema
Singapore Med J 2005; 46(6): 308-310