Review of the refeeding syndrome

Continuous versus intermittent tube feeding after feeding jejunostomy, a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Feeding jejunostomy is employed in cases of upper gastrointestinal tract disorders; nonetheless, there are limited guidelines about post-procedural feeding approaches. This study aims to examine the effects of continuous and intermittent feeding strategies on time to achieve full feeding, gastrointestinal adverse events, and metabolic alterations following jejunostomy surgery.

METHOD

This randomized controlled pilot non-inferiority trial included 40 people with diseases of the upper GI tract who had a feeding jejunostomy at Chiang Mai University Hospital. The patients were not blinded and were randomly split into two groups using the block-of-four method. After completion of recruitment, 18 patients in the continuous feeding group and 20 patients in the intermittent feeding group (5 separated meals in 15 min each) were included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was determined based on the time to achieve complete feeding (30 ml/kg/day). The secondary outcome includes the presence of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms and any metabolic alterations.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the time taken to achieve a full feed in continuous and intermittent (48 ± 0 h. vs. 50.4 ± 5.6 h, p = 0.080) or as regards gastrointestinal adverse events, abdominal discomfort (27.8 vs. 30.0 %) and diarrhea (5.6 vs. 10 %) (p = 1.000). The metabolic outcome also showed no difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference between continuous and intermittent feeding in terms of the time required to achieve a full feed, gastrointestinal adverse events such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, or metabolic changes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

TCTR20241008004; Thai Clinical Trials Registry.

Electrolyte disorders in the critically ill: a retrospective analysis

Several electrolyte disorders have been associated with adverse outcomes, but data on the coincidence of multiple disorders, interactions between different electrolytes and the impact of substitution on electrolyte levels are scarce. This study aimed to describe electrolyte disorders' prevalence, incidence, and interaction in a consecutive cohort of ICU patients. Single-center retrospective study, including 2,056 consecutive adult ICU patients. Patients without laboratory data, those declining participation, and those receiving renal replacement therapy were excluded. Electrolyte levels and intravenous electrolyte administration were analyzed during the first 96 h after ICU admission using descriptive statistics, regression models and AUC-ROC analysis. Of 2392 admitted patients, 2056 were included. On admission, 312 patients (15.2%) had no electrolytes measured, 316 (15.4%) did not have any electrolyte disorder, 643 (31.3%) had one disorder, and 785 (38.2%) had multiple disorders. The most common electrolyte disorders on admission were hyperchloremia (56.0%, 977/1,744), hyperkalemia (18.7%, 326/1,744), hypophosphatemia (16.8%, 293/1,744), and hyperphosphatemia (16.4%, 286/1,744). Most patients (77.4%, 1,592/2,056) developed at least one new disorder during their ICU stay. A considerable number of patients (19.7%, 344/1,744) experienced electrolyte disorders in both directions ('hypo' and 'hyper') during their ICU stay. Linear regression models revealed that changes in one electrolyte level are often associated with alterations in other electrolyte levels. Most patients (99.2% 2,039/2,056) received intravenous electrolytes. Electrolyte overcorrection occurred in 89/365 patients (24.4%) for hypokalemia and 50/575 patients (8.7%) for hypophosphatemia. AUC-ROC analysis revealed cut-off points with the highest sensitivity and specificity at 30 mmol of potassium within 6 h and 45 mmol of phosphate within 15 h. Electrolyte disorders are highly prevalent in ICU patients, with significant co-incidence and interplay between these disorders. Knowledge regarding overcorrection risks may inform safe electrolyte administration protocols.

The Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition: Consensus statements on refeeding syndrome

AIMS

This consensus statement document describes the recommendations of the Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition regarding the identification and management of refeeding syndrome and refeeding syndrome risk.

METHODS

An expert working group completed a review of the literature to develop recommendations for the consensus statements. Review of the drafted consensus statements was undertaken by highly experienced clinicians.

RESULTS

The identification and management of refeeding syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach. Actual refeeding syndrome is rare; however, all patients should be assessed for the risk of its development. Refeeding syndrome should only be diagnosed if the patient has had adequate nutrition intake (≥50% of estimated requirements), with electrolyte imbalances and clinical symptoms emerging after its commencement. Thiamin and multivitamin supplementation and regular electrolyte monitoring should be provided to all patients at risk of developing refeeding syndrome. There is no evidence that patients at risk of developing refeeding syndrome should be started at an initial lower enteral feeding rate than already recommended for checking tolerance to enteral feeds. Goal nutrition rates should be reached within 24-72 h for all routes of nutrition. Low electrolyte levels should be replaced as per local guidelines, with consideration given to the route of replacement.

CONCLUSION

These consensus statements are expected to provide guidance at a national level to improve the identification and management of refeeding syndrome and refeeding syndrome risk.

Safety and Efficacy of Initiating Parenteral Nutrition at Home, Home Start PN, in Advanced Peritoneal Metastasis

BACKGROUND

Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis often experience intestinal failure throughout the course of their disease, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can be used as a temporary solution or as a bridge to definitive cytoreductive surgery. Guidelines for TPN are well established for inpatients and in 2014, guidelines were established for the initiation of TPN for outpatients in a home setting. However, the safety and efficacy of home start TPN in advanced oncology patients remain unknown. This study aims to explore the safety and efficacy of starting TPN in the home setting for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

METHOD

Health records of advanced cancer patients receiving TPN during 2009-2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Data pertaining to diagnosis, demographics, nutritional parameters, and outcomes including hospital readmission rates were collected. Safety was measured based on catheter-related complications and hospital admissions related to electrolyte or fluid imbalance due to TPN. Efficacy was determined by weight gain/stability and pre-albumin and albumin levels. The Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Seventy TPN patients were identified, of which forty-two were home start (HS) and twenty-eight were in hospital (HP). The two groups were not significantly different in age, (HS: mean = 58.3 ± 13.9; HP: mean = 58.0 ± 13; p = 0.95), baseline body weight (p = 0.13), baseline albumin (p = 0.26) or pre-albumin (p = 0.48). At the end of treatment, the HS and HP groups had similar percentages of patients experiencing weight gain/stability (75% vs. 47%, p = 0.1), stable/increased pre-albumin (68% vs. 65%, p = 1), and stable/increased albumin levels (48% vs. 59%, p = 0.58). There was no difference in observed readmission between the groups (p = 0.79). At the end of treatment, 48% of the HS group and 36% of the HP group resumed an oral diet.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to present a comparison between home and hospital start TPN in advanced cancer patients, demonstrating that the initiation of outpatient TPN in the home setting is as safe and efficacious as TPN initiated in the hospital.

Refeeding syndrome risk at ICU admission is an independent predictor of ICU readmission but it is not associated with mortality or length of stay in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the association between refeeding syndrome (RFS) risk and intensive care unit (ICU)/in-hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS) and ICU readmission in critically ill patients.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of a cohort study included patients aged ≥ 18 years admitted at ICU 24 h before data collection. We evaluated RFS risk based on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), stratifying it into four categories (no, low, high, and very-high risk).

SETTING

Five adult ICUs in Brazil.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

ICU/in-hospital mortality and LOS and ICU readmission data were obtained from electronic medical records analysis, following patients until discharge (alive or not).

RESULTS

The study involved 447 patients, categorized into no (19.2 %), low (28.6 %), high (48.8 %), and very-high (3.4 %) RFS risk groups. No significant differences emerged between the two groups (at RFS risk and no RFS risk) regarding the ICU death ratio (34.3 % versus 23.4 %) and LOS (5 versus 4 days), respectively. In contrast, patients at RFS risk experienced higher in-hospital mortality rates (34.3 % versus 23.4 %) prolonged hospital LOS (21 days versus 17 days), and increased ICU readmission rates (15 % versus 8.4 %) than patients without RFS risk. After adjusting for age and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score, we found no association between RFS risk and increased mortality in the ICU or hospital. Also, there was no significant association between RFS risk and prolonged LOS in the ICU or hospital setting. However, patients identified as at risk of RFS showed nearly double the odds of ICU readmission (Odds ratio, 1.90; 95 % CI 1.02-3.43).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no significant association between RFS risk and increased mortality in both the ICU and hospital settings, nor was there a significant association with prolonged LOS in the ICU or hospital among critically ill patients. However, patients at risk of RFS exhibited nearly double the odds of ICU readmission.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Our findings may contribute to understanding risks associated with ICU readmissions, highlighting the complexity of discharge decision-making through comprehensive assessments.

Potentially Lethal But Rarely Considered. Risk of Developing Refeeding Syndrome in Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Presurgical preparation and postoperative care are cornerstones of all surgical procedures. Surgeons should be especially vigilant with malnourished cancer patients. Refeeding syn-drome (RFS) is a serious, potentially fatal complication of initiating appropriate nutrition in malnourished patients or after a period of starvation, although no standard precise definition has been proposed. The rarity of its une-quivocally life-threatening course means that its risk may be underestimated in clinical practice. The study's main goal was to assess the degree of malnutrition and the risk of RFS in the presurgical status of patients with oral cavity cancer and to identify risk factors for the occurrence of RFS. This single-center prospective observational study included patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma. We investigated the relationship of RFS with age, BMI, features of the malignant tumor process selected internal medicine comorbidities, inflam-matory markers, renal and hepatic parameters, plasma levels of diverse electrolytes, and microelements were assessed. In the work, we utilized the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) criteria. The study included 90 patients: 35 women and 55 men, aged 64.2±10.5. A robust statistical correlation at a significance level of p < 0.05 was demonstrated between advanced age, lower BMI, lymph node metastases, and a relatively low LDH as positive predictors of the onset of RFS and confirmed the high predictive value of the NRS-2002 scale. This paper seeks to call attention to RFS and identify critical issues that may be useful for its prevention.

Contributing factors to hypophosphatemia development in critically Ill ventilated patients: a retrospective cohort study

Hypophosphatemia (serum phosphate < 2.5 mg/dL) is a major concern when initiating nutritional support. We evaluated which factors contribute to hypophosphatemia development in critically ill patients, as well as the association between hypophosphatemia and mortality. A retrospective cohort study of patients who were ventilated for at least 2 days in a 16-bed mixed ICU. Data collected includes demographics, Acute Physiology & Chronic Health Evaluation 2 (APACHE2) admission score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at 24 h (SOFA24), hourly energy delivery, plasma phosphate levels during the first 2 weeks of admission, ICU length of stay (LOS), length of ventilation (LOV), and mortality (ICU and 90 days). For the hypophosphatemia development model, we considered mortality as a competing risk. For mortality analysis, we used the Cox proportional hazards model considering hypophosphatemia development as a time-varying covariate. 462 patients were used in the analysis. 59.52% of the patients developed hypophosphatemia. Several factors were associated with a decreased risk of hypophosphatemia: age, BMI, pre-admission diabetes diagnosis, APACHE2, SOFA24, first kidney SOFA score, hospital admission time before ICU admission, and admission after liver transplantation. Admission due to trauma was associated with an increased risk of hypophosphatemia. Survival analysis with hypophosphatemia as a time-varying covariate showed a protective effect of hypophosphatemia from mortality (HR 0.447, 95% CI 0.281, 0.712). Age, APACHE2, and SOFA24 score were found to be significantly associated with ICU mortality. Fasting duration in the ICU before nutritional support initiation was not found to be significantly associated with hypophosphatemia. We examined several fasting intervals (12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 60 h, 72 h). In each fast interval, we compared the prevalence of hypophosphatemia among patients who fasted the specified length of time, with those who did not fast for the same length of time. In each fasting interval, hypophosphatemia prevalence was lower in the fasting group compared to the non-fasting group. However, this difference was insignificant. BMI, APACHE2, and hospital LOS before ICU admission were inversely associated with hypophosphatemia development. Fasting for up to 72 h in the ICU before starting nutritional support did not affect hypophosphatemia occurrence. Hypophosphatemia was associated with lower mortality.

2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

Fluids are drugs used in veterinary patients capable of producing beneficial therapeutic or inadvertent harmful effects within the body's intravascular, interstitial, and intracellular fluid spaces. The individualized design of a fluid therapy plan requires careful patient assessment and targeted selection of proper fluid types, administration routes, and rates, along with adjustments during therapy tailored specifically as per the individual patient's fluid requirement and therapeutic response. Personalized fluid prescriptions and vigilant patient monitoring help avoid patient morbidity from body fluid deficiencies, fluid excess, and electrolyte derangements and support better patient outcomes. These guidelines provide an overview of fluid dynamics within the fluid spaces of the body, describe various types of fluids and their uses, and outline recommendations for fluid administration for resuscitation, rehydration, and maintenance purposes. The guidelines also outline approaches to fluid therapy for anesthetized patients and reiterate the recommendations of reduced fluid rates in this population of patients. Additionally, the guidelines include practical fluid therapy strategies for patients with various common disorders. The goal of these guidelines is to help veterinary professionals safely and effectively prescribe and administer fluid therapy for canine and feline patients.

Nutritional Strategies for Preterm Neonates and Preterm Neonates Undergoing Surgery: New Insights for Practice and Wrong Beliefs to Uproot

The nutrition of preterm infants remains contaminated by wrong beliefs that reflect inexactitudes and perpetuate old practices. In this narrative review, we report current evidence in preterm neonates and in preterm neonates undergoing surgery. Convictions that necrotizing enterocolitis is reduced by the delay in introducing enteral feeding, a slow advancement in enteral feeds, and the systematic control of residual gastric volumes, should be abandoned. On the contrary, these practices prolong the time to reach full enteral feeding. The length of parenteral nutrition should be as short as possible to reduce the infectious risk. Intrauterine growth restriction, hemodynamic and respiratory instability, and patent ductus arteriosus should be considered in advancing enteral feeds, but they must not translate into prolonged fasting, which can be equally dangerous. Clinicians should also keep in mind the risk of refeeding syndrome in case of high amino acid intake and inadequate electrolyte supply, closely monitoring them. Conversely, when preterm infants undergo surgery, nutritional strategies are still based on retrospective studies and opinions rather than on randomized controlled trials. Finally, this review also highlights how the use of adequately fortified human milk is strongly recommended, as it offers unique benefits for immune and gastrointestinal health and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Starvation hepatitis and refeeding-induced hepatitis: mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among young adults and is associated with a substantial risk of death from suicide and medical complications. Transaminase elevations are common in patients with AN at the time of hospital admission and have been associated with longer lengths of hospital stay. Multiple types of hepatitis may occur in these patients, including two types that occur only in patients with AN: starvation hepatitis and refeeding-induced hepatitis. Starvation hepatitis is characterized by severe transaminase elevation in patients in the advanced phase of protein-energy deprivation and is associated with complications of severe starvation, such as hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, and hypotension. Refeeding-induced hepatitis is characterized by a milder increase in transaminases that occurs in the early refeeding phase and is associated with hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesaemia. Among the most common forms of hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury is particularly relevant in this patient cohort, given the frequent use and abuse of methamphetamines, laxatives, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. In this review, we provided an overview of the different forms of anorexic-associated hepatitis, a diagnostic approach that can help the clinician to correctly frame the problem, and indications on their management and treatment.

High protein intake can lead to serious hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia in growth restricted preterm newborns

Objectives

High protein parenteral nutrition (HPPN) in the early postnatal period is a recommended strategy for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. However, limited data is available on electrolyte changes when HPPN strategy is utilized. We investigated the impact of HPPN on the development of hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia in preterm VLBW newborns.

Methods

A retrospective, single-center study investigated the levels of phosphate and potassium in VLBW infants who received HPPN (amino acids intake up to 3.5 g/kg/day) during the first week of life. Preterm infants were divided into two subgroups: appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) newborns. Clinical data were obtained from hospital database and medical records.

Results

Overall, 170 VLBW infants were included for the study analysis: 41 SGA (mean birth weight 752 ± 39 g) and 129 AGA infants (mean birth weight 994 ± 23 g). Phosphate and potassium levels were significantly lower in the SGA infants compared to AGA infants (Phosphate: 0.97 ± 0.07 mmol/l vs. 1.44 ± 0.04 mmol/l, p < 0.001; Potassium: 3.0 ± 0.1 mmol/l vs. 3.6 ± 0.1 mmol/l, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Repeated measurement of serum phosphate and potassium is recommended when HPPN strategy is utilized in preterm SGA infants where significant hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia might have serious clinical consequences.

Vitamin D and hypophosphatemia in patients with anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH) is a common complication of nutritional restoration in malnourished individuals, yet clear risk stratification remains elusive. Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) may be deficient in vitamin D, an important component of dietary phosphorus absorption in the gut. The relationship between vitamin D and RH in AN and ARFID is unknown. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) report rates of low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and RH in AN and ARFID; (2) describe associations between phosphorus and variables associated with RH identified in extant literature; (3) examine the relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and RH and (4) investigate moderation by vitamin D between variables of interest and phosphorus level.

METHOD

Analyses included retrospective chart review of 307 individuals admitted to the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition with a diagnosis of AN or ARFID. Variables of interest included admission laboratory values (vitamin D level, comprehensive metabolic panel, hemoglobin, point-of-care blood glucose), anthropometric measures (weight, body mass index [BMI], % ideal body weight [IBW]), age, duration of illness, length of stay, feeding method, and serum phosphorus nadir. Pearson and Spearman rank correlation, one-way ANOVA, and regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between variables and serum phosphorus.

RESULTS

Over 1/3 of the sample (35.3%) had serum phosphorus levels ≤ 2.9 mg/dL. There were no significant differences between groups in phosphorus nadir (p = .17, η2 = 0.12) or hypophosphatemia (p = .16, ϕc = 0.11). Thirty-five (35%) of individuals with ARFID were either deficient or insufficient in vitamin D, compared to 29% of individuals with AN. Individuals with AN had significantly higher mean vitamin D levels compared to those with ARFID (p = .03; η2 = 0.015). Nadir phosphorus showed a positive association with weight, BMI, %IBW, potassium, and calcium on admission, and a negative association with length of stay, hemoglobin, and total number of tube-fed days. Higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D moderated the relationship between serum phosphorus nadir and weight on admission (p = .0004).

CONCLUSION

Individuals diagnosed with ARFID are as nutritionally fragile as those with AN regarding vitamin D and RH. The negative feedback loop involving vitamin D that maintains phosphorus homeostasis may play a role in the development of RH in AN and ARFID.

Vitamin D and Hypophosphatemia in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A Case Control Study

Background

Refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH) is a common complication of nutritional restoration in malnourished individuals, yet clear risk stratification remains elusive. Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) may be deficient in vitamin D, an important component of dietary phosphorus absorption in the gut. The relationship between vitamin D and RH in AN and ARFID is unknown. Therefore, the aims of this of this study were to 1) describe the prevalence of low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and RH in AN and ARFID 2) report associations between nadir phosphorus level and variables associated with RH in extant literature and 3) examine the relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and serum phosphorus nadir in AN and ARFID.

Method

Analyses included retrospective chart review of 307 individuals admitted to the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition with a diagnosis of AN or ARFID. Variables of interest included admission laboratory values (vitamin D level, comprehensive metabolic panel, hemoglobin, point-of-care blood glucose), anthropometric measures (weight, body mass index [BMI], % ideal body weight [IBW]), age, duration of illness, length of stay, feeding method, and serum phosphorus nadir. Pearson and Spearman rank correlation, one-way ANOVA, and regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between variables and serum phosphorus.

Results

Over 1/3 of the sample (35.3%) had serum phosphorus levels ≤ 2.9 mg/dL. There were no significant differences between groups in phosphorus nadir (p = .17, η2 = 0.12) or hypophosphatemia (p = .16, ϕc = 0.11); 44% of individuals with ARFID and 33% of individuals with AN had hypophosphatemia. Nadir phosphorus showed a positive association with weight, BMI, %IBW, potassium, and calcium on admission, and a negative association with length of stay, hemoglobin, and total number of tube-fed days. Higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D moderated the relationship between serum phosphorus nadir and weight on admission (p = .0004).

Conclusion

Individuals diagnosed with ARFID are as nutritionally fragile as those with AN regarding vitamin D and RH. The negative feedback loop involving vitamin D that maintains phosphorus homeostasis may play a role in the development of RH in AN and ARFID.

Nutritional Management of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer-A Comprehensive Review

While surgical therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is showing improvement with the advancement of reconstruction techniques, the focus in these patients should also be shifting to supportive pre and aftercare. Due to the highly sensitive and anatomically complex region, these patients tend to exhibit malnutrition, which has a substantial impact on their recovery and quality of life. The complications and symptoms of both the disease and the therapy usually make these patients unable to orally intake food, hence, a strategy should be prepared for their nutritional management. Even though there are several possible nutritional modalities that can be administrated, these patients commonly have a functional gastrointestinal tract, and enteral nutrition is indicated over the parenteral option. However, after extensive research of the available literature, it seems that there is a limited number of studies that focus on this important issue. Furthermore, there are no recommendations or guidelines regarding the nutritional management of HNC patients, pre- or post-operatively. Henceforth, this narrative review summarizes the nutritional challenges and management modalities in this particular group of patients. Nonetheless, this issue should be addressed in future studies and an algorithm should be established for better nutritional care of these patients.

Interaction between inorganic phosphate concentration and glucose metabolism in mild refeeding syndrome model

Refeeding syndrome is a major clinical problem that leads to fatal complications in patients suffering from malnutrition. Hypophosphatemia inevitably is observed at the onset of refeeding syndrome and therefore is monitored during refeeding; however, the causes of metabolic changes in phosphate concentration during refeeding remain poorly understood. In a previous study, we established a refeeding syndrome model employing total parenteral nutrition with insulin-induced hypophosphatemia, but the symptoms were severe and the metabolic mechanisms in this model may not have been representative of clinical conditions. Therefore, we established a new animal model of mild refeeding syndrome by using a shorter fasting period followed by a single refeeding. These mild refeeding syndrome-model rats exhibited hypophosphatemia without increases in urinary phosphate excretion. Interestingly, administration of the combination of phosphate and insulin during refeeding promoted insulin secretion during refeeding. This model implies that Pi may directly promote insulin secretion in pancreatic cells. These results clarify the interaction between phosphate and glucose metabolism pancreatic cells during refeeding syndrome in a mild refeeding syndrome model.

The effect of oral refeeding compared with nasogastric refeeding on the quality of care for patients hospitalised with an eating disorder: A systematic review

AIM

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the benefits and harms of nasogastric and oral-based refeeding on the quality of care, including effectiveness, safety, and patient experience, for patients hospitalised with an eating disorder.

METHODS

A systematic search for studies measuring comparative data between nasogastric and oral refeeding methods was conducted in August 2021. Title and abstracts and remaining full texts were screened by both authors. Risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro scale, and overall quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Seven studies (one randomised controlled trial, five non-randomised studies of interventions, and one qualitative study) with 917 participants were included. There was low certainty evidence that nasogastric refeeding resulted in no difference or a small increase in weekly weight gain, and moderate certainty of greater total weight gain, and very low certainty of increased length of stay compared to oral refeeding. There was no difference or a small increase in discharge weight and body mass index with nasogastric refeeding compared to oral refeeding. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Patients selected for nasogastric refeeding have a longer duration of illness and lower admission weight, making it difficult to determine which refeeding approach is superior. However, the lack of clear difference in weekly weight gain and the lack of reported harms suggests that other factors such as the normalisation of eating behaviour may be taken into account when choosing the most appropriate refeeding method.

Factors associated with refeeding hypophosphatemia in adolescents and young adults hospitalized with anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH) in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) is a potentially fatal complication of nutrition restoration; yet, little is known about risk. This retrospective cohort study examined factors found in hospitalized youth with AN that may contribute to RH.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of 300 individuals diagnosed with AN admitted between the years of 2010 and 2016. Logistic regression examined factors associated with RH. Multivariate regression examined factors associated with phosphorus nadir.

RESULTS

For 300 participants, the mean (SD) age was 15.5 (2.5) years, 88.3% were White, and 88.3% were female. Participants lost an average of 11.3 (9.7) kg of body weight and were 82% (12.1) of median body mass index (BMI). Age (P = .022), nasogastric (NG) tube feeding (P = .054), weight gain (P = .003), potassium level (P = .001), and magnesium level (P = .024) were contributors to RH. Odds of RH were 13.7 times higher for each unit reduction in magnesium, 9.2 times higher for each unit reduction in potassium, three times higher in those who received NG feeding, 1.5 times higher for each kg of weight gain, and 1.2 times higher for each year of age. Regarding phosphorus nadir, serum magnesium level (P < .001) and admission BMI (P = .002) contributed significantly.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that age, NG feeding, weight gain, electrolyte abnormalities, and BMI on admission are potential indicators of the development of RH in youth. This study identifies clinical risk factors associated with RH and may guide further investigation.

A comparison of two different refeeding protocols and its effect on hand grip strength and refeeding syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE

Optimal refeeding protocols in older malnourished hospital patients remain unclear. We aimed to compare the effect of two different refeeding protocols; an assertive and a cautious protocol, on HGS, mortality and refeeding syndrome (RFS), in patients ≥ 65 years METHODS: Patients admitted under medical or surgical category and at risk of RFS, were randomized to either an enteral nutrition (EN) refeeding protocol of 20 kcal/kg/day, reaching energy goals within 3 days (intervention group), or a protocol of 10 kcal/kg/day, reaching goals within 7 days (control group). Primary outcome was the difference in hand grip strength (HGS) at 3 months follow-up, in an intention to treat analysis. RFS (phosphate < 0.65 mmol/L) during the hospital stay and mortality rates at 3 months were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients were enrolled, with mean (SD) age of 79.8(7.4) and 54.1% female, 41 in the intervention group and 44 in the control group. HGS was similar at 3 months with mean change of 0.42 kg (95% CI - 2.52 to 3.36, p = 0.78). Serum phosphate < 0.65 mmol/L was seen in 17.1% in the intervention group and 9.3% in the control group, p = 0.29. There was no difference in mortality rates (39% vs 34.1%, p = 0.64). An indication of more respiratory distress was found in the intervention group, 53.6% vs 30.2%, p = 0.029.

CONCLUSION

A more assertive refeeding protocol providing 20 kcal/kg/day did not result in improved HGS measured 3 months after discharge compared with a cautious refeeding (10 kcal/kg/day) protocol. No difference in incidence of mortality or RFS was found.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record 2017/FO148295, Registered: 21st of February, 2017.

Refeeding syndrome in a woman with pancreatitis: a case report

Refeeding syndrome can occur in malnourished patients with acute pancreatitis who have electrolyte imbalances. Refeeding syndrome is characterized by severe electrolyte imbalances (mainly hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia), vitamin deficiency (mainly thiamine deficiency), fluid overload, and salt retention resulting in organ dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias. We herein report a case involving a patient with severe pancreatitis and gallbladder stones who developed refeeding syndrome with shock and loss of consciousness. The patient was treated by opportune vitamin and electrolyte supplementation therapy and showed substantial improvement after 2 weeks of hospitalization, gaining the ability to eat small bites of solid food orally. Early diagnosis and treatment of refeeding syndrome may reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis. Patients should be fasted only if alimentation is contraindicated, and electrolyte values must be closely monitored.

The Refeeding Syndrome: a neglected but potentially serious condition for inpatients. A narrative review

The Refeeding Syndrome (RFS) is a potentially serious, but still overlooked condition, occurring in individuals who are rapidly fed after a period of severe undernourishment. RFS derives from an abnormal electrolyte and fluid shifts leading to many organ dysfunctions. Symptoms generally appear within 2-5 days of re-feeding and may be absent/mild or severe and life threating, depending on the pre-existing degree of malnutrition and comorbidities. The lack of a standard definition and the nonspecificity of the symptoms make both incidence estimate and diagnosis difficult. In 2020, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) proposed a unifying definition for the RFS and its severity classification. The awareness of the condition is crucial for identifying patients at risk, preventing its occurrence, and improving the management. The objectives of this narrative review were to summarize the current knowledge and recommendations about the RFS and to provide useful tips to help physicians to recognize and prevent the syndrome.

A loosening prosthesis in a dialysis patient

A haemodialysis patient with periprosthetic fractures and a history of corticosteroid use was referred for assessment for bone mineral disorders. Mixed renal osteodystrophy was diagnosed following a bone biopsy. Correction for vitamin D insufficiency did not improve the clinical signs, which prompted a potential diagnosis of hypophosphataemic osteomalacia to be considered. No causes for hypophosphataemia were found, except for phosphate dietary restrictions. Phosphorus supplementation was administered, resulting in an upturn in bone biochemical and histological parameters and increased bone mineral density, thus confirming the diagnosis of hypophosphataemic osteomalacia due to low phosphate intake. Characteristic features related to this diagnosis are shown from three repeated bone biopsies performed during the course of patient follow-up.

Computed Tomography-Measured Psoas Muscle Density as a Predictive Factor for Hypophosphatemia Associated With Refeeding

BACKGROUND

Initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN) after a period of starvation can be complicated by refeeding syndrome (RFS). RFS is associated with electrolyte abnormalities including hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, and hypophosphatemia. Risk factors include recent weight loss, low body mass index, and electrolyte deficiencies; however, these associations are not strong. We hypothesized that a validated measure of nutrition risk, computed tomography (CT)-measured psoas muscle density, can be used to predict the development of hypophosphatemia associated with RFS.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of surgical patients initiated on PN with an abdominal CT scan within the past 3 months was conducted. CT-measured psoas muscle density was assessed as a predictive variable for the development of electrolyte abnormalities. Daily electrolyte and clinical outcome measures were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred nine patients were stratified based on Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC). The lowest 25th percentile of patients had HUAC <25. Low HUAC was associated with a significant percent decrease in phosphate levels from baseline to PN day 3 (P < .01) and significant difference in serum phosphate value on PN day 3 (P < .01). The low muscle density quartile also experienced longer days on the mechanical ventilator (P = .01) compared with patients with a higher psoas muscle density.

CONCLUSION

Psoas muscle density predicted the development of hypophosphatemia in patients initiated on PN. This measurement may aid in identifying patients at highest risk of experiencing RFS. A mean psoas HU <25 may prompt additional precautions, including additional phosphate replacement and slower initiation of PN.

Guidelines for parenteral and enteral nutrition in geriatric patients in China

Based on the expert consensus on parenteral and enteral nutrition support for geriatric patients in China in 2013, domestic multidisciplinary experts were gathered to summarize the new evidence in the field of elderly nutritional support at home and abroad. The 2013 consensus was comprehensively updated and upgraded to a guideline by referring to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system for grading evidence. These guidelines were divided into two parts: general conditions and common diseases. After discussion by all members of the academic group and consultation with relevant experts, 60 recommendations were ultimately established as standardized nutritional support in the field of geriatrics in China.

Nutritional therapy and outcomes in underweight critically ill patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Critically ill patients with body mass index (BMI) < 20 kg/m² have worse outcomes than normal/overweight patients possibly because underweight is a marker of malnutrition. To assess the effects of nutrition therapy in this population during the first week of an ICU stay.

METHODS

Prospective, 2-centre, observational study. Nutritional evaluations were performed between days 2 and 3 (first) and between days 5 and 7 (second) of ICU admission. In the first evaluation, patients were divided into non-fed (without nutritional support) and early-fed (those already receiving nutritional support) groups. In the second evaluation, patients were divided according to caloric intake (≥or<20 kcal/kg) and protein intake (≥or<1.3 g of protein/kg).

RESULTS

Of the 4236 patients screened and 342 were included in the cohort. Mortality was 58.5% (median 21 [11-38.25] days of follow-up). Unadjusted patient survival was worse in the non-fed group than in the early-fed group (HR 1.66; 95%CI, 1.18 to 2.32). There was no difference in mortality between groups after adjusting for the SOFA score on the day of the evaluation. At the second evaluation, unadjusted analysis showed better in-hospital survival in patients with higher caloric (HR0.58; 95%CI, 0.40 to 0.86) and protein intake (HR0.59; 95%CI, 0.42 to 0.82); there was no association between mortality and caloric or protein intake after adjusting for the SOFA score on the day of the evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Nutritional therapy in the first week of ICU stay did not affect vital outcome after adjusting for the SOFA score on the day of the evaluation in underweight critically ill patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03398343.

Management of Refeeding Syndrome in Medical Inpatients

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is the metabolic response to the switch from starvation to a fed state in the initial phase of nutritional therapy in patients who are severely malnourished or metabolically stressed due to severe illness. It is characterized by increased serum glucose, electrolyte disturbances (particularly hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia), vitamin depletion (especially vitamin B1 thiamine), fluid imbalance, and salt retention, with resulting impaired organ function and cardiac arrhythmias. The awareness of the medical and nursing staff is often too low in clinical practice, leading to under-diagnosis of this complication, which often has an unspecific clinical presentation. This review provides important insights into the RFS, practical recommendations for the management of RFS in the medical inpatient population (excluding eating disorders) based on consensus opinion and on current evidence from clinical studies, including risk stratification, prevention, diagnosis, and management and monitoring of nutritional and fluid therapy.

Refeeding Syndrome

Refeeding syndrome describes the metabolic disturbances and clinical sequelae that occur in response to nutritional rehabilitation of patients who are moderate to severely malnourished. When risk factors are not identified and nutrition therapy is not managed appropriately, devastating consequences such as electrolyte depletion and imbalances, fluid overload, arrhythmia, seizure, encephalopathy, and death may occur. As this entity is often unrecognized, especially in pediatrics, becoming familiar with the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management strategies will help clinicians caring for children avoid unnecessary morbidity and mortality. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(11):e448-e454.].

Refeeding Syndrome as a Possible Cause of Very Early Mortality in Acute Pancreatitis

Background/Aims

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a fatal clinical complication that can occur as a result of fluid and electrolyte shifts during early nutritional rehabilitation for malnourished patients. This study was conducted to determine the clinical implications of RFS in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods

Between 2006 and 2016, AP patients with very early mortality were retrospectively enrolled from three university hospitals.

Results

Among 3,206 patients with AP, 44 patients died within 3 days after diagnosis. The median age was 52.5 years (range, 27 to 92 years), male-to-female ratio was 3:1, and median duration from admission to death was 33 hours (range, 5 to 72 hours). The etiology of AP was alcohol abuse in 32 patients, gallstones in five patients, and hypertriglyceridemia in two patients. Ranson score, bedside index for severity of AP, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-II were valuable for predicting very early mortality (median, [range]; 5 [1 to 8], 3 [0 to 5], and 19 [4 to 45]). RFS was diagnosed in nine patients who died of septic shock (n=5), cardiogenic shock (n=2), or cardiac arrhythmia (n=2). In addition, patients with RFS had significant hypophosphatemia compared to non-RFS patients (2.6 mg/dL [1.3 to 5.1] vs 5.8 mg/dL [0.8 to 15.5]; p=0.001). The early AP-related mortality rate within 3 days was approximately 1.4%, and RFS occurred in 20.5% of these patients following sudden nutritional support.

Conclusions

The findings of current study emphasize that clinicians should be aware of the possibility of RFS in malnourished AP patients with electrolyte imbalances.

Assessment of Myocardial Function in Kenyan Children With Severe, Acute Malnutrition: The Cardiac Physiology in Malnutrition (CAPMAL) Study

Importance

Mortality among African children hospitalized with severe malnutrition remains high, with sudden, unexpected deaths leading to speculation about potential cardiac causes. Malnutrition is considered high risk for cardiac failure, but evidence is limited.

Objective

To investigate the role of cardiovascular dysfunction in African children with severe, acute malnutrition (SAM).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A prospective, matched case-control study, the Cardiac Physiology in Malnutrition (CAPMAL) study, of 88 children with SAM (exposed) vs 22 severity-matched patients without SAM (unexposed) was conducted between March 7, 2011, and February 20, 2012; data analysis was performed from October 1, 2012, to March 1, 2016.

Exposures

Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings (including 7-day Holter monitoring) at admission, day 7, and day 28.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Findings in children with (cases) and without (controls) SAM and in marasmus and kwashiorkor phenotypes were compared.

Results

Eighty-eight children (52 with marasmus and 36 with kwashiorkor) of the 418 admitted with SAM and 22 severity-matched controls were studied. A total of 63 children (57%) were boys; median age at admission was 19 months (range, 12-39 months). On admission, abnormalities more common in cases vs controls included severe hypokalemia (potassium <2.5 mEq/L) (18 of 81 [22%] vs 0%), hypoalbuminemia (albumin level <3.4 g/dL) (66 of 88 [75%] vs 4 of 22 [18%]), and hypothyroidism (free thyroxine level <0.70 ng/dL or thyrotropin level >4.2 mU/L) (18 of 74 [24%] vs 1 of 21 [5%]) and were associated with typical electrocardiographic changes (T-wave inversion: odds ratio, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.9-28.0; P = .001), which corrected as potassium levels improved. Fourteen children with SAM (16%) but no controls died. Myocardial mass was lower in cases on admission but not by day 7. Results of the Tei Index, a measure of global cardiac function, were within the reference range and similar in cases (median, 0.37; interquartile range [IQR], 0.26-0.45) and controls (median, 0.36; IQR, 0.28-0.42). Echocardiography detected no evidence of cardiac failure among children with SAM, including those receiving intravenous fluids to correct hypovolemia. Cardiac dysfunction was generally associated with comorbidity and typical of hypovolemia, with low cardiac index (median, 4.9 L/min/m2; IQR, 3.9-6.1 L/min/m2), high systemic vascular resistance index (median, 1333 dyne seconds/cm5/m2; IQR, 1133-1752 dyne seconds/cm5/m2), and with few differences between the marasmus and kwashiorkor manifestations of malnutrition. Seven-day continuous ECG Holter monitoring during the high-risk initial refeeding period demonstrated self-limiting significant ventricular arrhythmias in 33 of 55 cases (60%) and 6 of 18 controls (33%) (P = .049); none were temporally related to adverse events, including fatalities.

Conclusions and Relevance

There is little evidence that African children with SAM are at greater risk of cardiac dysfunction or clinically significant arrhythmias than those without SAM or that marasmus and kwashiorkor differed in cardiovascular profile. These findings should prompt a review of current guidelines.

Risk of refeeding syndrome. Case report

Introduction: Refeeding syndrome is an acute metabolic disorder that occurs during nutritional repletion. Although it has been known for years, the early detection of risk factors for its onset and the implementation of measures to prevent it are not common in nutritional care.Case presentation: 48-year-old male patient, in critical care for 6 days, with suspected Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy and high risk of refeeding syndrome according to criteria of the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence. The subject received enteral nutrition with 14 kcal/kg for the first 3 days, with subsequent increases aiming to achieve a nutritional goal of 25 kcal/kg on day 5.  He also received daily supplementation of thiamine 600mg, folic acid 5mg and pyridoxine 50mg. Blood phosphorus decreased from 3 mg/dL to 2 mg/dL the day after initiating the nutritional plan and normalized by day 3.Discussion: The patient did not present severe hypophosphatemia or clinical manifestations of refeeding syndrome. Hypophosphatemia was resolved by maintaining a stable caloric restriction during the first days. Some professionals consider this restriction as very conservative, and others think that it may lead to achieve significant improvements in mortality reduction.Conclusions: The strategy for assessing the risk of refeeding syndrome, nutritional management and implemented follow-up were successful in preventing the patient from developing a refeeding syndrome.

Quality improvement initiative to reduce adverse effects associated with parenteral nutrition overfeeding

OBJECTIVE

Parenteral nutrition (PN) overfeeding is a potential risk factor in the development of infections and other complications including hyperglycaemia, refeeding syndrome and liver dysfunction. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of a quality improvement initiative to reduce PN overfeeding.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of a quality improvement initiative.

SETTING

A health system comprised of two US Department of Veterans Affairs medical centres.

PATIENTS

Patients receiving PN.

INTERVENTIONS

Methods to reduce overfeeding included the use of standardised PN products with lower dextrose to amino acid ratios, reduced use of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE), and use of adjusted body weights or guideline-recommended predictive equations for energy requirements.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measures were the doses of kilocalories, amino acids and ILE in each cohort. The proportions of patients developing complications before and after the intervention were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean maximum total daily kilocalorie dose was 30.2 kcal/kg/day in the preintervention group (n=86) vs 23.4 kcal/kg/day in the postintervention group (n=62) (p<0.001). More patients in the postintervention group received reduced ILE during the first week of PN therapy compared with the preintervention group (p<0.001). The mean maximum total daily amino acid dose in each group was not significantly different. Significantly fewer cases of central line-associated bloodstream infections, hyperglycaemia and liver dysfunction were observed in the postintervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

A quality improvement initiative to reduce PN overfeeding was effective in reducing kilocalorie and ILE doses while maintaining similar amino acid doses. Observed complications were reduced following the intervention.

Hypophosphatemia in Enterally Fed Patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit: Common but Unrelated to Timing of Initiation or Aggressiveness of Nutrition Delivery

INTRODUCTION

Hypophosphatemia has been associated with refeeding malnourished patients, but its clinical significance is unclear. We investigated the incidence of refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH) in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) and its association with early enteral nutrition (EN) administration and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of a 2-year database of patients receiving EN in the SICU. RH was defined as a post-EN phosphorus (PHOS) level decrement of >0.5 mg/dL to a nadir <2.0 mg/dL within 8 days from EN initiation. We investigated the risk factors for RH and examined its association with clinical outcomes using multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 213 patients comprised our analytic cohort. Eighty-three of 213 (39%) individuals experienced RH and 43 of 130 (33%) of the remaining patients experienced non-RH hypophosphatemia (nadir PHOS level <2.0 mg/dL). Overall, there was a total 59% incidence of hypophosphatemia of any cause (N = 126). Nutrition parameters did not differ between groups; most patients were initiated on EN within 48 hours of SICU admission, and timing of EN initiation was not a significant predictor for the development of RH. The median hospital length of stay (LOS) was 21 and 24 days for those with and without RH, respectively (P = .79); RH remained a nonsignificant predictor for hospital LOS in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

RH is common in the SICU but is not related to timing or amount of EN. Hypophosphatemia is also common in the critically ill, but regardless of etiology, it was not found to be a predictor of worse clinical outcomes.

An Institutional Change in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Nutrition Support Team Resolves Resultant Severe Hypophosphatemia

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients with acute kidney injury may require parenteral nutrition (PN) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Introduction of a phosphate-free premixed renal replacement fluid without system-wide education in May 2011 resulted in increased incidence of hypophosphatemia, necessitating change in practice. Changes included (1) maximizing phosphate in PN, (2) modifying the CRRT order set, and (3) developing a CRRT competency evaluation for nutrition support team members. This study evaluates the effect of these changes on the incidence of hypophosphatemia.

METHODS

Phosphate levels and predicated probability of hypophosphatemia were evaluated for patients receiving PN and CRRT over 3 time periods: prior to implementing the changes (preimplementation), during change implementation (intermediate), and following implementation (postimplementation). Hypophosphatemia was defined as a serum phosphate level <2.5 mg/dL. Generalized linear mixed models were applied for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The retrospective study includes 336 measures from 49 patients. Patients in the intermediate and postimplementation periods were not significantly different from each other and had significantly higher mean phosphate levels than patients in the preimplementation period (P < .0001). They were also less likely to develop hypophosphatemia compared with preimplementation patients (intermediate: odds ratio [OR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.18, P < .0001; postimplementation: OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03-0.27, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Modifications in phosphate dosing together with CRRT education reduced the incidence of hypophosphatemia in PN patients receiving CRRT. Communication of significant changes in clinical care should be shared with all services prior to implementation. Communication and planning between services caring for complex patients are necessary to prevent systems-based problems.

Refeeding syndrome in the gastroenterology practice: how concerned should we be?

Clinical nutrition is emerging as a major area in gastroenterology practice. Most gastrointestinal disorders interfere with digestive physiology and compromise nutritional status. Refeeding syndrome (RS) may increase morbidity and mortality in gastroenterology patients. Literature search using the keywords "Refeeding Syndrome", "Hypophosphatemia", "Hypomagnesemia" and "Hypokalemia". Data regarding definition, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, management and prevention of RS were collected. Most evidence comes from case reports, narrative reviews and scarse observational trials. RS results from the potentially fatal shifts in fluid and electrolytes that may occur in malnourished patients receiving nutritional therapy. No standard definition is established and epidemiologic data is lacking. RS is characterized by hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, vitamin deficiency and abnormal glucose metabolism. Oral, enteral and parenteral nutrition may precipitate RS. Awareness and risk stratification using NICE criteria is essential to prevent and manage malnourished patients. Nutritional support should be started using low energy replacement and thiamine supplementation. Correction of electrolytes and fluid imbalances must be started before feeding. Malnourished patients with inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic intestinal failure and patients referred for endoscopic gastrostomy due to prolonged dysphagia present high risk of RS, in the gastroenterology practice. RS should be considered before starting nutritional support. Preventive measures are crucial, including fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy, vitamin supplementation and use of hypocaloric regimens. Gastroenterology patients must be viewed as high risk patients but the impact of RS in the outcome is not clearly defined in current literature.

Early Hypophosphatemia in High-Risk Preterm Infants: Efficacy and Safety of Sodium Glycerophosphate From First Day on Parenteral Nutrition

BACKGROUND

Early hypophosphatemia is common in premature infants ≤1250 g. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and severity of hypophosphatemia after sodium glycerophosphate supplementation from first day of life in parenteral nutrition and to address the safety of this practice.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of infants ≤1250 g birth weight born in a tertiary-care level neonatal intensive care unit and supplied with sodium glycerophosphate from the first day of life. Primary outcome was the presence of hypophosphatemia (<4 mg/dL) on the first week. Data were compared with our 2014 prospective subcohort of infants ≤1250 g receiving phosphate after 48 hours of life and morbidity with that of our 2016 retrospective cohort of ≤1250 g.

RESULTS

Fifty-four neonates were included. The frequency of hypophosphatemia was 29.6%. Only 1 patient presented hypophosphatemia <2 mg/dL. Mild hypokalemia was found in 8 patients (50%). No cases of hypernatremia were observed. Patients with hypophosphatemia had significantly lower gestational age (27.4 vs 28.8 weeks, P = .032) and lower z-score birth weight (-1.68 vs -0.47; P = .001). When compared with the 2014 subcohort, we found a lower frequency of hypophosphatemia (29.6% vs 69.2%; P = .008) and a lower rate of samples with hypophosphatemia (20.4% vs 51.4%; P = .0002) and critical hypophosphatemia (0.68% vs 11.4%, P = .0005). No differences were found in morbidity or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Sodium glycerophosphate supplementation in parenteral nutrition from the first day of life significantly decreased the frequency of hypophosphatemia. No adverse events were reported.

What a Trainee Surgeon Should Know About Refeeding Syndrome: A Literature Review

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is potentially fatal, yet there is limited understanding regarding its management among general surgeons due in part to a lack of universally accepted guidelines for RFS diagnosis. The aim of this review is to equip general surgery trainees with the essentials of RFS including a review of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) best practice guidelines for RFS. We used the keywords "refeeding", "syndrome", and "hypophosphatemia" to search PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases. We reviewed approximately 130 indexed papers for relevance. Having profound knowledge of nutritional needs in critically ill patients will help trainee surgeons prevent illnesses in the spectrum of RFS, and, over time, this would immensely contribute to reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with RFS.

The refeeding syndrome. Importance of phosphorus

Refeeding syndrome (RS) is a complex disease that occurs when nutritional support is initiated after a period of starvation. The hallmark feature is the hypophosphataemia, however other biochemical abnormalities like hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, thiamine deficiency and disorder of sodium and fluid balance are common. The incidence of RS is unknown as no universally accepted definition exists, but it is frequently underdiagnosed. RS is a potentially fatal, but preventable, disorder. The identification of patients at risk is crucial to improve their management. If RS is diagnosed, there is one guideline (NICE 2006) in place to help its treatment (but it is based on low quality of evidence). The aims of this review are: highlight the importance of this problem in malnourished patients, discuss the pathophysiology and clinical characteristics, with a final series of recommendations to reduce the risk of the syndrome and facilitate the treatment.

Parenteral Nutrition Electrolyte Abnormalities and Associated Factors Before and After Nutrition Support Team Initiation

BACKGROUND

Studied since the 1940s, refeeding syndrome still has no universal definition, thus making comparison of studies difficult. Negative outcomes (eg, metabolic abnormalities) may occur with the use of specialized nutrition, such as parenteral nutrition (PN). Less than half of medical institutions have a nutrition support team (NST) managing PN. Interdisciplinary team management of PN may reduce negative outcomes of PN. The objective of this study was to show the value of the NST by measuring differences in PN variables, especially electrolyte abnormalities (EAs), before and after NST initiation at a large medical center and to identify factors associated with EAs among adult subjects receiving PN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During this retrospective study, computerized medical charts (N = 735) from 2007-2010 were reviewed for electrolyte changes (particularly potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus) the first 3 days following PN initiation in hospitalized adults. Changes in EAs with other variables were compared before and after NST implementation. Equivalent samples sizes were collected to better evaluate the impact of the team.

RESULTS

Following the implementation of the NST, fewer EAs were seen in PN patients (53%; χ2  = 10.906, P = .004); significantly less potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium intravenous piggyback supplementation (88.8% vs 94%; χ2  = 5.05, P = .026) was used; and mortality within 30 days of PN cessation was significantly less (12.7% vs 10.6%, P = .012).

CONCLUSION

Our study complements existing research, finding that an NST was associated with a decreased occurrence of EAs and mortality in the hospitalized adult receiving PN.

Enteral Nutrition in Pediatric Patients

Pediatric patients require specialized attention and have diverse demands for proper growth and development, and thus need a different approach and interest in nutritional assessment and supply. Enteral nutrition is the most basic and important method of nutritional intervention, and its indications should be identified. Also, the sites, modes, types, and timing of nutritional intervention according to the patient's condition should be determined. In addition, various complications associated with enteral nutrition supply should be identified, and prevention and treatment are required. This approach to enteral nutrition and proper administration can help in the proper growth and recovery of pediatric patients with nutritional imbalances or nutritional needs.

Mineral Disorders in Adult Inpatients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition. Is Older Age a Contributory Factor?

BACKGROUND

Parenteral nutrition (PN)-dependent adults and elderly individuals who are admitted to hospital treatment are potentially susceptible to mineral disorder complications due to depleted physiological reserves, loss of lean body mass, and increased fat mass, thus worsening inflammation.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesaemia prior and within the first 7 days of PN infusion. Furthermore, whether malnutrition and old age are associated with these disorders was also investigated.

METHODS

This study included a historical cohort of adult patients, and 1,040 patients whose information was prospectively entered in the database were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 781 patients, 27.3% were ≥65 years, 80.9% had undergone surgical treatment, 74.3% were in the intensive care unit, and 17.9% died during the hospitalization period. About 17.1% patients were malnourished. Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) was observed in 31.9% of the elderly patients and 27.1% of adults in general. Hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia were more prevalent before the start of PN infusion (D0: 214 [18.4%]), and new events were more common during the first 2 days of PN infusion (D1: 283 [23.1%]; D2: 243 [20.1%]. Elderly patients were more susceptible to developing hypophosphatemia (odds ratio [OR]: 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-2.19; p<0.001). Patients with PEM were also more susceptible to hypophosphatemia (OR: 3.75; 95% CI: 1.13-12.47; p=0.036).

CONCLUSION

Hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia were frequently observed in hospitalized adults and elderly patients before and particularly during the first 2 days of PN infusion. Elderly patients and patients with PEM are more susceptible to developing hypophosphatemia.

Nutrition Management for the Head and Neck Cancer Patient

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients often face multiple nutritional challenges before, during, and after treatment due to the close proximity of the cancer to organs that are vital for normal eating function. Common treatment-related side effects, such as dysphagia, odynophagia, dysgeusia, xerostomia, thick saliva, mucositis, nausea, and vomiting, all further impair the patient's ability to maintain adequate oral intake. Malnutrition and unintentional weight loss in HNC patients during and after treatment are associated with poorer treatment outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality, and poor quality of life, even in overweight and obese patients whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is not suggestive of malnutrition. The main nutrition goal for HNC patients is thus to maximize nutrition intake either orally or through nutrition support therapy in order to prevent or limit weight loss, preserve lean body mass, minimize treatment delays and unplanned hospitalizations, and improve treatment outcomes. This chapter will discuss nutrition interventions to manage common symptoms before, during, and after treatment for HNC. Guidelines will be provided for patients that require enteral nutrition or less commonly, parenteral nutrition.

Transition from F-75 to ready-to-use therapeutic food in children with severe acute malnutrition, an observational study in Uganda

BACKGROUND

World Health Organization now recommends the transition from F-75 to ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) in the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We described the transition from F-75 to RUTF and identified correlates of failed transition.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study among children aged 6-59 months treated for SAM at Mulago hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Therapeutic feeding during transition phase was provided by first offering half of the energy requirements from RUTF and the other half from F-75 and then increasing gradually to RUTF as only energy source. The child was considered to have successfully transitioned to RUTF if child was able to gradually consume up to 135 kcal/kg/day of RUTF in the transition phase on first attempt. Failed transition to RUTF included children who failed the acceptance test or those who had progressively reduced RUTF intake during the subsequent days. Failure also included those who developed profuse diarrhoea or vomiting when RUTF was ingested.

RESULTS

Among 341 of 400 children that reached the transition period, 65% successfully transitioned from F-75 to RUTF on first attempt while 35% failed. The median (IQR) duration of the transition period was 4 (3-8) days. The age of the child, mid-upper arm circumference, weight-for-height z-score and weight at transition negatively predicted failure. Each month increase in age reflected a 4% lower likelihood of failure (OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.93; 0.99). Children with HIV (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.27; 5.85) and those rated as severely ill by caregiver (OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02; 1.32) were more likely to fail. At the beginning of the rehabilitation phase, the majority (95%) of the children eventually accepted RUTF while only 5% completed rehabilitation in hospital on F-100.

CONCLUSION

Transition from F-75 to RUTF for hospitalized children with SAM by gradual increase of RUTF was possible on first attempt in 65% of cases. Younger children, severely wasted, HIV infected and those with severe illness as rated by the caregiver were more likely to fail to transit from F-75 to RUTF on first attempt.

[Early hypophosphataemia in at risk newborns. Frequency and magnitude]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency and magnitude of neonatal hypophosphataemia (<4mg/dL) in a neonatal Intensive Care Unit and to describe risk groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of hospitalised newborns over a 44 month period (phase 1). Retrospective study of <1,500g/<32 weeks of gestation newborns over a 6 month period (phase 2). Prospective study of <1,500g or 1,550-2,000g, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) newborns. Measurements were made on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 14th days of life (phase 3).

RESULTS

Phase 1: 34 (2.4%) of 1,394 patients had a diagnosis of hypophosphataemia, 76% of them ≤32 weeks of gestation and <1500 grams, and 24% >32 weeks with weight<P10. Phase 2: 12 (16.4%) of 73 patients had a diagnosis of hypophosphataemia, with <2mg/dL in 5 (6.8%). Eight (75%) of those with hypophosphataemia had IUGR, and 4 (25%) weighed <1,000g. Five cases had associated hypokalaemia, and three hypercalcaemia. Phase 3: 9 (45%) of 20 patients had hypophosphataemia, all of them <1,000g or<1,200g and weight percentile <10. Thirty-three percent of samples on days 1, 3, and 7 showed hypophosphataemia, four of them <2mg/dL. There was mild hypokalaemia in 5 (55%), and mild hypercalcaemia in 2 (22%) cases. Hypophosphataemia was associated with lower enteral nutrition and higher parenteral amino acid intake in the early days of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypophosphataemia is common, and can be severe, in the first week of life in premature infants <1,000 grams, and newborns<1,200g with foetal malnutrition and receiving amino acids in early parenteral nutrition.