Case of the Month #43 Refeeding Syndrome

Published 14/09/2023

Which patients are at high risk of developing Refeeding syndrome?

  • Patients with very low weight (BMI <13 kg/m2) 

  • Minimum or no food intake for 3-4 days 

  • Weight loss >15% over last 3 months 

  • Associated serious infection or co-morbidities 

  • Alcohol dependence  

 

Low white blood cell count and higher haemoglobin level are the predictors for developing refeeding hypophosphatemia.3,4