title: Refeeding syndrome.
abstract: Refeeding syndrome is a complex syndrome that occurs as a result of reintroducing nutrition (oral, enteral or parenteral) to patients who are starved or malnourished. Patients can develop fluid-balance abnormalities, electrolyte disorders (hypophosphataemia, hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia), abnormal glucose metabolism and certain vitamin deficiencies. Refeeding syndrome encompasses abnormalities affecting multiple organ systems, including neurological, pulmonary, cardiac, neuromuscular and haematological functions. Pathogenic mechanisms involved in the refeeding syndrome and clinical manifestations have been reviewed. We provide suggestions for the prevention and treatment of refeeding syndrome. The most important steps are to identify patients at risk, reintroduce nutrition cautiously and correct electrolyte and vitamin deficiencies properly.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Complejo Hospitalario de Ourense, Ourense, España.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Fernández López
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: López Otero
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alvarez Vázquez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arias Delgado
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Varela Correa
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D017674:Hypophosphatemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D055677:Refeeding Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control