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[Three cases of coma during parenteral alimentation]
Annales De L'Anesthesiologie Francaise
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Coma during parenteral alimentation can occur during realimentation in severely malnourished patients. This complication may signal the onset of the anabolic phase, highlighting the need for careful monitoring during nutritional recovery.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Neurology
Background:
- Parenteral alimentation is a critical method for nutritional support in patients with severe malnutrition.
- Realimentation, the process of reintroducing nutrition, requires careful management to avoid complications.
Observation:
- Three cases of coma were observed during parenteral alimentation.
- The commonality was the occurrence during the realimentation phase in severely impaired nutritional states.
- In two cases, coma preceded the anabolic period.
Findings:
- Clinical, biological, and electrical studies were conducted on the affected patients.
- Significant hypophosphatemia (2mg/l) was noted in one case.
- One patient died four days after coma onset, despite normalization of clinical and biological parameters.
Implications:
- Coma during realimentation may indicate a critical metabolic shift.
- Close monitoring of electrolytes, particularly phosphate, is crucial during nutritional repletion.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and optimize management of this complication.