Refeeding Syndrome Flashcards

1
Q

What is refeeding syndrome?

A

An imbalance of electrolytes that is potentially fatal when a severely malnourished patient begins to reintroduce food

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2
Q

What electrolyte abnormalities are seen in refeeding syndrome?

A

Low phosphate
Low potassium
Low magnesium
Hyperglycaemia

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3
Q

What symptoms can low phosphate cause?

A

Muscle weakness
Respiratory failure
Delirium
Seizures

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4
Q

What symptoms can low magnesium cause?

A

Neuromuscular excitability
Muscle weakness
Cardiac arrhythmias

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5
Q

What symptoms can low potassium cause?

A

Muscle weakness
Paralysis
Potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias

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6
Q

What symptoms can hyperglycaemia cause?

A

Polyuria
Polydipsia
Fatigue
Blurred vision

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7
Q

What is the management of refeeding syndrome?

A

Monitoring of potassium, magnesium and phosphate levels
Slow reintroduction of food
Thiamine replacement for at risk patients to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy

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8
Q

Why does refeeding syndrome occur?

A

In starvation mode, circulating insulin levels drop, and intracellular phosphate is depleted

When refeeding occurs, insulin levels suddenly rise, and phosphate is taken up into cells

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