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Correlation of selected mental factors with frequency of vomiting in the course of bulimia nervosa and their association with altered amylase level in serum and urine

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Streszczenie

One of the most health- and sometimes also life-threatening symptoms of bulimia nervosa is vomiting. It may lead to severe complications, e.g. electrolyte imbalance, metabolic alkalosis, hyperchloremia, hypokalemia, metabolic disturbances, heart arrhythmia, vitamin deficit, damage of posterior wall of pharynx and oesophagus, erosion of dental enamel. Detection of a specific predictor of unfavourable consequences of the disease might help to define a group of patients more at risk of developing uncontrollable vomiting in the course of bulimia nervosa, as well as to provide a means of monitoring frequency of vomiting in non-cooperative patients. The aim of this study was to explore correlations between frequency of vomiting in the course of bulimia nervosa and selected variables, e.g. symptoms of depression, anxiety, hostility, dissatisfaction with own body image and elevated levels of amylase in serum and urine. Using a specially designed questionnaire, Hamilton Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory and Body Image Questionnaire, we studied 55 patients (54 females and 1 male) with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa (acc. to ICD-10), treated at the out-patients clinic (52 persons) and institutionalised (3 persons) since 2003 thru 2005. Each participant of the study was tested for serum and urine amylase level. Study protocol has been approved by Bioethical Committee. In the study group we noticed a significant positive correlation between frequency of vomiting and severity of anxiety and hostility and amylase level in serum and urine. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was noticed between amplitude of body mass fluctuations, severity of hostility and amylase level in serum and urine. No associations were found between frequency of vomiting, presence of depression and dissatisfaction with own body.

Słowa kluczowe
bulimia nervosa, depression, anxiety, hostility, body image, amylase