Refeeding syndrome
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Refeeding syndrome is a syndrome consisting of metabolic disturbances that occur as a result of reinstitution of nutrition to patients who are starved or severely malnourished. Renourishment is the process of avoiding refeeding syndrome. The syndrome was first described in Japanese war prisoners after the Second World War.
Syndrome
Refeeding syndrome usually occurs within four days of starting to feed . Patients can develop fluid and electrolyte disorders, especially hypophosphatemia, along with neurologic, pulmonary, cardiac, neuromuscular and hematologic complications. Most effects result from a sudden shift from fat to carbohydrate metabolism after refeeding in combination with decreased intracellular phosphate stores. Refeeding increases the basal metabolic rate. Intracellular movement of electrolytes occurs along with a fall in the serum electrolytes including phosphate, potassium, magnesium, glucose and thiamine. Significant risks arising from refeeding syndrome include confusion, coma, convulsions and death.This syndrome can occur at the beginning of treatment for anorexia nervosa when patients are reintroduced to a healthy diet.
The shifting of electrolytes and fluid balance increases cardiac workload and heart rate. This can lead to acute heart failure. Oxygen consumption is also increased which strains the respiratory system and can make weaning from ventilation more difficult.Treatment
Refeeding syndrome can be fatal if not recognized and treated properly. Supplementing glucose and thiamine and monitoring serum electrolytes may help in renourishment.
Next Page
This article is based on an article from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and is available under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License.
In the Wikipedia there is a list with all authors of this article available.