Author(s): Patita, Marta ; Nunes, Gonçalo ; Canhoto, Manuela ; Fonseca, Jorge
Date: 2021
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/59061
Origin: Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL
Subject(s): Refeeding syndrome; Parenteral nutrition
Refeeding syndrome (RS) is a life-threatening condition first described in severe malnourished prisoners of the Second World War1. This syndrome is defined as electrolyte and fluid shifts associated with metabolic abnormalities developed during nutritional support. RS hallmark is hypophosphatemia, but also includes hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, vitamin deficiencies, abnormal glucose metabolism and fluid retention. Prolonged fasting is the most important risk factor and RS may be precipitated by oral, enteral or parenteral nutrition4,5. The authors describe a case of RS in the gastroenterology ward exemplifying the importance of recognizing this underreported condition in patients with digestive pathology under nutritional therapy.
