Refeeding syndrome in hospitalized pediatric patients

Refeeding syndrome has been well documented over the years, primarily through case reports and literature reviews. Awareness of refeeding syndrome is crucial in preventing the occurrence of, and the metabolic and physiologic complications associated with, aggressive nutrition support in malnourished populations. Once compromised patients have been identified to be at risk of refeeding syndrome, nutrition rehabilitation should be cautiously initiated. We have found a lack of clinical validation for instituting nutrition support in high-risk pediatric patients who may develop refeeding syndrome. The purposes of our investigation were to determine the incidence of refeeding syndrome in pediatric hospitalized patients beginning on parenteral nutrition and to determine how consistently the Department of Clinical Nutrition standards of care for screening and prevention were followed at our institution.