Related Experiment Videos

'Refeeding syndrome' in a Kuwaiti child: clinical diagnosis and management

Ibrahim Al Sharkawy1, Dina Ramadan, Amira El-Tantawy

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sabah Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait. isharkawy@hotmail.com

Medical Principles and Practice : International Journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
|April 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Refeeding syndrome can occur in malnourished children during nutritional rehabilitation. Early electrolyte monitoring and gradual calorie increase are crucial for preventing this potentially lethal condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal complication in severely malnourished patients undergoing nutritional rehabilitation.
  • Early identification and management are critical for improving patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 13-month-old Kuwaiti boy with marasmic kwashiorkor presented with normal initial electrolytes.
  • Within three days of nutritional support, he developed hyperglycemia and severe electrolyte imbalances, including hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia, indicative of refeeding syndrome.

Findings:

  • The child received appropriate treatment for refeeding syndrome, involving controlled caloric intake, gradual advancement, and electrolyte/vitamin supplementation.
  • Prompt intervention led to the safe recovery of the patient.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of vigilant electrolyte monitoring in malnourished children during refeeding.
  • A slow, gradual increase in caloric intake is recommended for at-risk patients to prevent the onset of refeeding syndrome.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...