Re-feeding syndrome.
The effect of a therapeutically administered high calorie diet in a severely malnourished patient is discussed in this case report. In patients with advanced head and neck cancer prolonged periods of malnutrition prior to admission are frequently encountered. This case report highlights the need to constantly monitor the electrolyte and vitamin levels during the early stages of instituting enteral or parenteral nutrition. By vigilant monitoring and a high index of suspicion re-feeding syndrome or severe hypophosphataemia and its associated complications can be avoided.
Shadaba
A
A
Department of Otolaryngology and Head/Surgery, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
Paine
J
J
Adlard
R
R
Dilkes
M
M
D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D017674:Hypophosphatemia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood; D013577:Syndrome; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
D012964:Sodium; D008274:Magnesium; D015032:Zinc; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium