Refeeding Syndrome Flashcards
What is refeeding syndrome?
An imbalance of electrolytes that is potentially fatal when a severely malnourished patient begins to reintroduce food
What electrolyte abnormalities are seen in refeeding syndrome?
Low phosphate
Low potassium
Low magnesium
Hyperglycaemia
What symptoms can low phosphate cause?
Muscle weakness
Respiratory failure
Delirium
Seizures
What symptoms can low magnesium cause?
Neuromuscular excitability
Muscle weakness
Cardiac arrhythmias
What symptoms can low potassium cause?
Muscle weakness
Paralysis
Potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias
What symptoms can hyperglycaemia cause?
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Fatigue
Blurred vision
What is the management of refeeding syndrome?
Monitoring of potassium, magnesium and phosphate levels
Slow reintroduction of food
Thiamine replacement for at risk patients to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Why does refeeding syndrome occur?
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