General - Refeeding syndrome

Question 1

When does refeeding syndrome occur?

Answer 1

In people that have been in a severe nutritional deficit for an extended period, when they start to eat again

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of refeeding syndrome, and what 3 deficiencies does this result in?

Answer 2

Metabolism in the cells and organs dramatically slows during prolonged periods of malnutrition. As the starved cells start to process glucose, protein and fats again they use up magnesium, potassium and phosphorus leading to hypomagnesaemia, hypokalaemia and hypophosphatemia

Question 3

Name 2 conditions patients with refeeding syndrome are at risk of

Answer 3

• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Heart failure
• Fluid overload