Refeeding syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when severely malnourished patients receive nutrition too quickly. It is caused by metabolic shifts during refeeding and affects electrolyte levels. Patients at high risk include those with anorexia nervosa, cancer, the elderly, chronic alcoholics, and those undergoing dialysis, surgery, chemotherapy or with malabsorptive conditions. To prevent refeeding syndrome, at-risk patients must be identified promptly and started on a slow, monitored calorie intake with electrolyte replacement as needed.

1. BEFORE

2. Refeeding Syndrome
Kristopher R. Maday, MS, PA-C, CNSC
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Physician Assistant Program
Nutritional Sciences PhD Student

3. Who is at risk?5,6
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Elderly
• Chronic alcoholism
• Dialysis
• Psychiatric
• Post surgical
• Critical Illness
• Malabsorptive Conditions
• SBS, CF, IBD
• Motility Disorders
• Esophageal, Intestinal
• Inpatient hospitalization

4. Conclusion
• Refeeding Syndrome is a complicated
biochemical disorder that can be life-threatening
and is often undiagnosed
• Prompt recognition of high risk patients is
paramount in prevention
• Management revolves around slow initiation of
calories with electrolyte monitoring and
replacement

5. AFTER

6. Kristopher R. Maday, MS, PA-C, CNSC
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Physician Assistant Program
Department of Nutrition Sciences
Refeeding Syndrome

12. Aggressive
Electrolyte
Replacement