Security Hunger-Strike Prisoners in the Emergency Department: Physiological and Laboratory Findings

Our study found that the most common clinical symptom was chest pain, which has not been previously reported among hunger strikers. We observed a substantial number of laboratory disturbances due to muscle wasting and protein loss and due to presumed vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies. We suggest monitoring electrocardiograms for heart rate, blood count, chemistry, coagulation tests, and vitamin levels.