Abstract

Learning objectives

• To identify the patients who are at risk of refeeding syndrome
• To understand the etiology of refeeding syndrome
• To now methods of prevention and treatment of refeeding syndrome

Summary
The refeeding syndrome is a complication of nutritional support in severely malnourished patients (anorexia nervosa, cancer, IBD, SBS, elderly alcoholism, etc). Its features are salt and water retention and depletion of potassium, magnesium and phosphate with a decrease in their serum levels during enteral or parenteral realimentation. In can be associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially when it is not diagnosed. Knowledge of this complication is, therefore essential for its prevention, recognition, and treatment.