Refeeding Syndrome:

Refeeding Syndrome:
Any individual who has had negligible nutrient intake for >5 consecutive days is at risk of refeeding syndrome. Refeeding syndrome usually occurs within four days of starting to feed. Patients can develop fluid and electrolyte disorders, especially hypophosphatemia, along with neurologic, pulmonary, cardiac, neuromuscular, and hematologic complications.

Treatment:
* Close monitoring of blood biochemistry is necessary in the early refeeding period.
* Milk is often the refeeding food of choice in this early period as it is naturally high in phosphate and easily tolerated by those who have been starved.
* If potassium, phosphate or magnesium are low then this should be corrected via the oral route, or if severe with parenteral treatment.
* Prescribing thiamine, vitamin B complex (strong) and a multivitamin and mineral is recommended.
* Energy intake should remain only 50-70% that of normally required for the first 3– 5 days.