The refeeding syndrome: an approach to understanding its complications and preventing its occurrence

The refeeding syndrome (RS) is a complication of nutritional support that potentially causes considerable morbidity and mortality. Compensatory metabolic alterations secondary to chronic starvation predispose malnourished patients to RS. Providing nutritional support initiates an intracellular shift of potassium, magnesium, and phosphate that results in many adverse effects. The literature addressing RS focuses on only one electrolyte abnormality, hypophosphatemia; however, often all three electrolyte levels are perturbed. Thus RS should be characterized as a syndrome of generalized fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Recommended electrolyte supplementation and laboratory monitoring can help prevent the disorder in susceptible patients.