Bulimia Nervosa Flashcards
What is bulimia nervosa?
It is an eating disorder characterised by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours
What BMI do bulimia patients have?
Normal BMI
What are the three types of purging compensatory behaviours?
Self-induced vomiting
Laxative abuse
Diuretic abuse
What can purging compensatory behaviours lead to?
Neuro-chemical disruption with specific damage to the brain (seizures) and heart (arrythmias)
What is a feature of laxative abuse on colonoscopy?
Pigmetn laden macrophages
What are the three types of non-purging compensatory behaviours?
Excessive exercise
Fasting
Strict diets
What are the eight risk factors associated with bulimia nervosa?
Female Gender
Young Age, 15 - 25 Years Old
Family History
Pregnancy Complications
Puberty
Depression
Anxiety
Traumatic Life Events
What are the eleven clinical features of bulimia nervosa?
Fatigue
Delayed Puberty
Amenorrhoea
Pharyngeal Trauma
Swollen Parotid Glands
Teeth Erosion
Russel’s Sign
Heartburn
Syncope
Bradycardia
Hypotension
What is Russel’s sign? How is it associated with bulimia nervosa?
It is defined as calluses on the knuckles or back of the hand
It results due to repeated self induced vomiting
What are the three ABG features which indicate bulimia nervosa with self-induced vomiting?
Metabolic alkalosis
Hypokalemia
Hypochloraemia
What screening questionnaire can be used to diagnose eating disorders?
SCOFF Questionnaire
What are the five questions included in the SCOFF questionnaire?
Do You Make Yourself Sick Because You Feel Uncomfortably Full?
Do You Worry You Have Lost Control Over How Much You Eat?
Have You Recently Lost More Than One Stone In A Three Month Period?
Do You Believe Yourself To Be Fat When Others Say You Are Too Thin?
Would You Say That Food Dominates Your Life?
What SCOFF questionnaire result would indicate an eating disorder?
2 positive answers
What three investigations can be used to diagnose bulimia nervosa?
Blood Tests
Arterial Blood Gas
ECG Scan
What six blood test results indicate bulimia nervosa?
Decreased Haemoglobin Levels
Decreased Potassium Levels
Decreased Magnesium Levels
Increased Creatinine Levels
Increased Bicarbonate Levels
Increased ALT Levels