Refeeding Syndrome

Pediatr Ann. 2019 Nov 1;48(11):e448-e454. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20191017-02.

Abstract

Refeeding syndrome describes the metabolic disturbances and clinical sequelae that occur in response to nutritional rehabilitation of patients who are moderate to severely malnourished. When risk factors are not identified and nutrition therapy is not managed appropriately, devastating consequences such as electrolyte depletion and imbalances, fluid overload, arrhythmia, seizure, encephalopathy, and death may occur. As this entity is often unrecognized, especially in pediatrics, becoming familiar with the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management strategies will help clinicians caring for children avoid unnecessary morbidity and mortality. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(11):e448-e454.].

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrolytes / administration & dosage
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / complications
  • Hypokalemia / complications
  • Hypokalemia / diagnosis
  • Hypophosphatemia / complications
  • Hypophosphatemia / diagnosis
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Magnesium Deficiency / complications
  • Magnesium Deficiency / diagnosis
  • Refeeding Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Refeeding Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Refeeding Syndrome / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Sodium / metabolism
  • Starvation / physiopathology
  • Thiamine Deficiency / complications
  • Thiamine Deficiency / diagnosis

Substances

  • Electrolytes
  • Insulin
  • Sodium