Refeeding syndrome in adult and elderly patients: Retrospective study in a university hospital

To estimate the prevalence of adult and elderly patients at risk of or diagnosed with refeeding syndrome (RS), as well as to explore potential associations with age, comorbidities, antibiotic use, and clinical outcomes during hospitalization.

This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted through the analysis of electronic medical records of hospitalized adult and elderly patients. Three groups were analyzed: moderate risk for RS (food intake less than 50% and not reaching nutritional goals and/or body mass index between 16 and 18.5 kg/m²); severe risk (food intake less than 50% and/or body mass index <16 kg/m²); and RS (presence of hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and/or hypokalemia).

A total of 121 patients were evaluated, of whom 38.8% presented with RS, 49.6% belonged to the moderate-risk group and 11.6% to the severe-risk group. Regarding age, 62% were elderly and 38% were adults.

Significant differences were observed in the prevalence of RS risk between adults and elderly individuals (χ²(1) = 7, p < 0.05), with a higher prevalence among the elderly. The prevalence of RS was higher in elderly individuals aged 60 to 74 years compared to those over 74 years, and this difference was statistically significant. Antibiotic changes during hospitalization were more prevalent in the moderate-risk group for RS. No significant association was found between RS risk and mortality.