Phosphate and refeeding syndrome

Q: Malnourished patients should be considered at high risk of 'refeeding syndrome' if they have consistent? (select one)

A) hypophosphatemia

B) hyperphosphatemia

Answer: A

In patients who are malnourished and are getting started on nutrition, enteral or parenteral, should be watched closely if their lab work shows hypokalemia and/or hypophosphatemia.

This is important as these patients stay at high risk for 'refeeding syndrome' despite concurrent supplementation. 

#nutrition

References:

1. Marinella MA. Refeeding syndrome and hypophosphatemia. J Intensive Care Med. 2005 May-Jun;20(3):155-9. doi: 10.1177/0885066605275326. PMID: 15888903.

2. Skipper A. Refeeding syndrome or refeeding hypophosphatemia: a systematic review of cases. Nutr Clin Pract. 2012 Feb;27(1):34-40. doi: 10.1177/0884533611427916. PMID: 22307490.

3. Fuentebella J, Kerner JA. Refeeding syndrome. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2009 Oct;56(5):1201-10. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2009.06.006. PMID: 19931071.