The refeeding syndrome and glucose load

Abstract

Objective: A 10-year-old girl with anorexia nervosa developed the refeeding syndrome following cautious reintroduction of nutrition, emphasizing that even with cautious refeeding a shift in fluid, glucose, and electrolytes can still occur, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality in this ever growing vulnerable group.

Method: Biochemical, nutritional, and anthropometrical monitoring in the patient, who followed a conservative refeeding program after a prolonged period of nutritional inadequacy.

Results: The refeeding syndrome presented itself with hypophosphatemia, hypotension, and cardiac abnormalities whilst refeeding at 25 kcal/kg (600 kcal/day).

Discussion: Comprises of a literature review, highlighting this case as the youngest reported case of refeeding syndrome in anorexia nervosa. Discussion focuses on the possible deleterious affects that carbohydrates may have in exacerbating the refeeding syndrome.