Anorexia nervosa: Refeeding and hypophosphatemia

Abstract

A case of anorexia nervosa (AN) is reported where heart failure occurred secondary to severe hypophosphatemia despite oral phosphate supplementation. We recommend starting patients with AN on oral phosphate when refeeding is begun, monitoring serum phosphate every 1 to 2 days for at least the first week of refeeding, and discontinuation of refeeding during phosphate supplementation should severe hypophosphatemia develop.