2. The refeeding syndrome comprises
• a group of abnormalities that may occur when nutrition is provided to
those who are severely malnourished
• The most well recognized feature of the syndrome is hypophosphataemia,
• but other electrolyte abnormalities can also occur together with
• cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular and
3. • The most well
• recognized feature of the syndrome is hypophosphataemia,
• but other electrolyte abnormalities can also occur
• together with cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular and haematological
complications.
4. Criteria for identifying people at high risk of
developing refeeding problems
• • BMI <16 kg/m2
• • unintentional weight loss >15% within the last 3–6 months
• • little or no nutritional intake for more than ten days
• • low plasma concentrations of potassium, phosphate or
• magnesium prior to feeding.
The patient has one or more of the following:
• • BMI <18.5 kg/m2
• • unintentional weight loss >10% within the last
• 3–6 months
• • little or no nutritional intake for more than five days
• • a history of alcohol abuse or treatment with drugs including
• insulin, chemotherapy, antacids or diuretics.
The patient has two or more of the following:
