PP166-MON AN AUDIT OF THE DIETETIC MANAGEMENT OF REFEEDING SYNDROME IN A DUBLIN TEACHING HOSPITAL

Further evidence to throw caution to the wind: outcomes using an assertive approach to manage refeeding syndrome risk

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) can occur in severely malnourished or starved populations that are provided with rapid or unbalanced nutrition. International guidelines recommend a cautious approach for managing RFS risk (hypocaloric nutrition for 4-7 days), however emerging evidence supports a more assertive approach. This study aimed to describe nutritional management and RFS-related adverse outcomes in patients at risk of RFS receiving care after implementing updated guidelines reflecting emerging evidence.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of inpatients at risk of RFS during admission to a large metropolitan hospital in Queensland, Australia between November 2018 and April 2019 was conducted. Data were collected from medical records on nutritional management (provision of nutrition, electrolyte, and vitamin replacement) and outcomes (incidence of RFS, serum electrolyte decreases, hypo/hyperglycaemia, oedema, and organ function disturbance). Data were analysed descriptively; relationships between serum electrolyte decreases and nutrition management were explored using Fisher's Exact tests.

RESULTS

Of the 70 patients identified at risk of RFS (58.4 ± 16.8 years, 56% male, 94% malnourished), majority of participants received required supplementation prior to the commencement of nutrition (thiamine: 76%; micronutrients: 72-100%; multivitamin: 61%) and a standard initial nutrition management plan (79%; cautious: 13%; liberal: 8%). There were no cases of RFS. Four participants experienced RFS-related adverse outcomes (severe electrolyte decreases: n = 2, hypo/hyperglycaemia: n = 2); however, there was no differences in serum electrolyte decreases based on the nutrition management plan (initial: p = 0.912; goal: p = 0.688).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of more liberal RFS guidelines for the management of RFS risk appears to be safe. Further research examining liberalised refeeding protocols may be useful in updating international guidelines.

Agreement between student dietitians' identification of refeeding syndrome risk with refeeding guidelines, electrolytes and other dietitians: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Limited research exists concerning how consistently and accurately student and newly-graduated dietitians are identifying refeeding syndrome risk in hospitalised patients. The present study aimed to determine the consistency of students' and newly-graduated dietitians' classification of refeeding syndrome risk, as well as agreement with the application of comparison tools such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, patients' electrolytes and supplementation, and clinical dietitians previously surveyed.

METHODS

Recently-graduated and final-year Griffith University dietetics students were invited to complete an online survey. The survey questioned demographics and asked respondents to classify the level of refeeding syndrome risk (i.e. none, some, high, unsure) in 13 case studies. Electrolytes and supplementation data were sourced from electronic patient records. Chi-squared tests, t-tests and linear regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Fifty-three eligible people responded [n = 53 of 112, mean (SD) age 26 (4) years, 89% female, 34% graduates]. Respondents' answers were generally more consistent and more likely to agree with comparison tools when two tools showed the same level of refeeding syndrome risk (49-98%, β = 0.626-1.0994, P < 0.001) than when they differed (11-49%). Respondents' level of agreement with refeeding identification guidelines, electrolyte levels, supplementation and dietitians previously surveyed did not differ by graduate status, degree level, clinical placement status or having read refeeding syndrome guidelines recently (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Students' and new graduates' identification of refeeding syndrome risk improved when there was consistency between guidelines, electrolytes and dietitians' responses. More research is needed to improve the evidence behind refeeding guidelines, with the aim of enhancing the accuracy and consistency of assessment.