Refeeding Syndrome

Key points

• Refeeding syndrome describes the metabolic abnormalities which occur on feeding a person following a period of starvation. The metabolic consequences include:
• hypophosphataemia
• hypomagnesaemia
• abnormal fluid balance These abnormalities can lead to organ failure. Prevention NICE produced guidelines in 2006 on nutritional support.
• BMI < 16 kg/m2