Gastroenterology

Question 1

What is refeeding syndrome

Answer 1

Refeeding syndrome is due to the reintroduction of nutrition (enteral, parenteral, or oral) which cause electrolyte and vitamin deficiencies (Mg, PO, K, and B1). In a starvation state our bodies breakdown cells like fat and protein to create sugar, but when introduce that person to a fed state a lot of the nutrients need to be processed and they do so with Mg, PO, K, B1, is there are not enough of these factors to keep up with food intake then there levels will deplete.

Question 2

What is dumping syndrome?

Answer 2

Usually presents after a procedure where the was partial removal of the stomach or part of the small intestine. When part of the GI tract is removed the food doesn’t get as much time to be properly broken down in the stomach known as early gastric emptying. The contents of the bolus tends to be more hypertonic causing volume contraction and results in hypotension, tachycardia, etc.