END-STAGE RENAL-DISEASE (ESRD) IN PATIENTS WITH EATING DISORDERS

We report on the development of end-stage renal disease in four young women with long duration of eating disorders. No other reason for end- stage renal disease could be identified in these patients. Long standi ng hypokalemia was noted in all. Renal ultrasonography in three patien ts showed small kidneys with increased cortical echogenicity and multi ple small bilateral cysts. A renal biopsy in one showed chronic tubulo -interstitial disease and non-specific glomerulosclerosis consistent w ith hypokalemic nephropathy. The development of end-stage renal diseas e is yet another medical complication to be considered in patients wit h long-standing eating disorder. Chronic hypokalemia may play a role i n the pathogenesis of renal disease in this setting.