Severe refeeding hypophosphatemia in a CAPD patient: a case report

Refeeding syndrome is defined as severe electrolyte and fluid shifts associated with metabolic abnormalities in malnourished, refeeding patients. Hypophosphatemia is its predominant concern, though its occurrence is unusual in uremic patients due to the concomitant hyperphosphatemia. This case study reports a 56-year-old woman on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy who was admitted for peritonitis. Ileus and diarrhea developed during admission; enteral feeding was given initially and then shifted to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) because of poor digestion. A lower concentration of phosphate was administered in the TPN formula initially due to high initial serum phosphate level. However, severe hypophosphatemia (0.3 mg/dL) developed on the second day after TPN supplementation. Continuous intravenous phosphate (total 6 mmol of phosphate) was supplied immediately. Unfortunately, the sudden onset of conscious loss and cardiac arrest happened on the third day of TPN. It should be emphasized that severe refeeding hypophosphatemia can also develop early in uremic patients with hyperphosphatemia.