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Recent advances in refeeding syndrome in critically ill patients: a narrative review
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Sang Woo Ha, Suk-Kyung Hong
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Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2024;16(1):3-9. Published online April 1, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2024.16.1.3
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 Abstract
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- Purpose: The aim of this article is to provide a narrative review of the most recent studies on refeeding syndrome (RS) in critically ill patients and to summarize recent advancements that can be referenced in the treatment of these patients.
Current concept: RS in critically ill patients is a potentially lethal nutrition-related condition leading to sudden death. Initiation of food intake after a period of fasting can trigger rapid electrolyte uptake due to increased insulin release, leading to a decline in serum electrolytes with thiamine. This depletion may cause severe complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death. The incidence of RS varies significantly, ranging from 7.4%–89%. Despite updates in diagnostic criteria over time, there remains a crucial need for criteria applicable to critically ill patients with underlying disorders such as metabolic derangement and organ dysfunction. To prevent RS, it is strongly recommended to start food intake after a fast at 20%–25% of estimated goals, gradually increasing the intake over several days. Close monitoring and electrolyte supplementation—especially of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and thiamine—are crucial, especially in critically ill patients. If electrolyte imbalances persist, slowing down or halting the progression of nutrition should be considered.
Conclusion: Clinicians should continue their efforts to promptly identify high-risk patients and to provide prevention and treatment for RS, particularly during the initiation of nutritional therapy in critically ill patients. Developing evidence-based protocols through further well-designed research is essential for effectively managing critically ill patients at risk of RS.
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Refeeding Syndrome in Critically Ill Patients
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Sang Woo Ha, Suk-Kyung Hong
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Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2022;14(2):72-80. Published online December 1, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2022.14.2.72
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Abstract
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 Supplementary Material
- Purpose: The aim of this study is to demonstrate clinical characteristics of refeeding syndrome (RS) and clinical utility of several guidelines including American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition consensus recommendations for RS and National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.
Materials and Methods: Eighty-six patients screened for RS based on two guidelines were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the severity of RS after the initiation of ‘dextrose infusion’ and ‘balanced nutrition support’ with calculation of 5-day electrolyte changes. The primary outcome was 6-month mortality and secondary outcomes were duration of intensive care unit stay in days, duration of mechanical ventilation in days, and ventilator-free days at the 28th day.
Results: We observed statistically different distributions in terms of prevalence of RS on the basis of two different start times of caloric support (P=0.021). There was no statistically significant relationship between the risk of RS and severity of RS based on both guidelines. Also, the relevance between severity of RS and outcomes was not significant in our study. In multivariable logistic regression analysis of factors associated with outcomes, the significant factor for primary outcome was the ‘patients with significant risk’ (odds ratio, 9.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.83~50.90; P=0.007).
Conclusion: We demonstrated that even initial administration of dextrose solution and propofol could cause severe RS in critically ill patients. In addition, significant risk of RS was a predictive factor for 6-month mortality. Thus, it is essential to monitor the occurrence of RS even during initial resuscitation in patients with unstable metabolism.
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