Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. While BN has been extensively studied in the past, the contemporary data for impact of BN on cost of hospitalization are largely lacking.

We queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) dataset between 1998-2011 using the ICD-9 codes. Severity of co-morbid conditions was defined by Deyo modification of Charlson co-morbidity index. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and secondary outcome was total charges for hospitalization. Using SAS 9.2, chi-square test, t-test and Cochran-Armitage test were used to test significance.

19,441 patients were analyzed. 94.13% were female and 5.87% male (P < 0.0001). 85.72% were white, 4.55% black and 9.73% of other race (P < 0.0001). Rate of hospitalization decreased from 1136.99/million to 802.47/million from 1998-2011. Overall mortality was 0.20% and mean cost of hospitalization was 15,496.82$. The in-hospital mortality reduced from 0.23% to 0.15% (P < 0.0001) and mean cost of hospitalization increased from 8,194.53$ to 22,547.86$. Total spending on BN related admissions have increased from $73.96 million/year to $139.93 million/year over the last decade.

While mortality has slightly decreased from 1998 to 2011, the cost has significantly increased from $73.96 million/year to $139.93 million/year, which leads to an estimated $65.97 million/year additional burden to US health care system. In the era of cost conscious care, preventing BN related Hospitalization could save billions of dollars every year. Focused efforts are needed to establish preventive measures for BN related hospitalization.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.