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This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with refeeding syndrome (RFS) in preterm infants (≤32 weeks gestational age) during their first week of life. Infants (gestational age ≤ 32 weeks; birth weight < 1500 g) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), level III, and received parenteral nutrition between January 2015 and April 2024 were retrospectively evaluated. Modified log-Poisson regression with generalized linear models and a robust variance estimator was applied to adjust the relative risk of risk factors. Of the 760 infants identified, 289 (38%) developed RFS. In the multivariable regression analysis, male, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and sodium phosphate significantly affected RFS. Male infants had significantly increased RFS risk (aRR1.31; 95% CI 1.08-1.59). The RFS risk was significantly higher in infants with IVH (aRR 1.71; 95% CI 1.27-2.13). However, infants who received higher sodium phosphate in their first week of life had significantly lower RFS risk (aRR 0.67; 95% 0.47-0.98). This study revealed a notable incidence of RFS among preterm infants aged ≤32 gestational weeks, with sex, IVH, and low sodium phosphate as significant risk factors. Refined RFS diagnostic criteria and targeted interventions are needed for optimal management.

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Background and objectives: Recent studies about refeeding in anorexia nervosa (AN) suggest starting with a high calorie diet. This narrative review aims to understand the initial refeeding management in hospitalized children and adolescents with AN and to develop a practical protocol. Methods: We performed a comprehensive database search in June 2023 for abstracts published between January 2010 and May 2023 in different databases: Pubmed, The Cochrane Library and Embase with the terms refeeding syndrome, energy intake, diet therapy, weight restoration, hypophosphatemia, nutritional rehabilitation, anorexia nervosa, restrictive eating disorders, child, adolescent and young adult. Results: Fifteen papers were included in this review. Twelve studies were retrospective or observational. Only 3 randomized controlled trials were found. Initial energy intake varies within a wide range between 500 and 2800 kcal per day but generally begins with higher calories than current recommendations. Only hypophosphatemia was often described without clinical refeeding syndrome. Initial weight restoration was better with high calorie refeeding (HCR). Length of stay was shorter with HCR in some studies. Long term outcomes were unknown. Only two studied severely malnourished patients (< 70 % mBMI). Conclusion: In adolescents with AN and with a low risk of RS, high calorie refeeding is possible under close medical monitoring and with prompt electrolyte correction. Robust studies with a unified protocol are needed to confirm the safety of high calorie refeeding especially in severely malnourished adolescents with AN.

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As essential nutrients for human beings, electrolytes play a central role in nutritional and metabolic support treatment. To further standardize the use of electrolyte preparations in parenteral nutrition, the China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care Clinical Nutrition Health Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association Nutritionist Professional Committee, Chinese Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and Chinese Nutrition Society Branch of Clinical Nutrition, invited authoritative experts in the fields of critical medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and pharmacology in China to create this expert consensus. This consensus was based on the latest guidelines and evidence-based medicine at home and abroad, and combined with the actual clinical medical environment in China. This consensus covered the following topics: electrolytes monitoring during parenteral nutrition, risk assessment and nutritional treatment of refeeding syndrome, electrolytes supplementation during parenteral nutrition for various diseases (including severe diseases, heart failure, post-surgical short bowel syndrome, perioperative period, trauma, diabetic foot, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, neonates), and the compatibility principles of electrolyte preparations in parenteral nutrition. Finally, 13 clinical questions and 26 recommendations were proposed aiming at providing scientific, standardized, and practical guidance for the rational application of electrolytes in parenteral nutrition.

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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.

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BACKGROUND: Since many acutely admitted older adults display signs of dehydration, treatment using balanced crystalloids is an important part of medical care. Additionally, many of these patients suffer from chronic malnutrition. We speculated that the early addition of glucose might ameliorate the hospital-related drop of caloric intake and modify their catabolic status. METHODS: We included patients 78 years and older, admitted acutely for non-traumatic illnesses. The patients were randomized into either receiving balanced crystalloid (PlasmaLyte; group P) or balanced crystalloid enriched with 100 g of glucose per liter (group G). The information about fluid balance and levels of minerals were collected longitudinally. RESULTS: In the G group, a significantly higher proportion of patients developed signs of refeeding syndrome, i.e., drops in phosphates, potassium and/or magnesium when compared to group P (83.3 vs. 16.7%, p < 0.01). The drop in phosphate levels was the most pronounced. The urinalysis showed no differences in the levels of these minerals in the urine, suggesting their uptake into the cells. There were no differences in the in-hospital mortality or in the 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: The short-term administration of balanced crystalloids with glucose induced an anabolic shift of electrolytes in acutely admitted older adults.

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BACKGROUND & AIMS: Refeeding syndrome (RFS) lacks both a global definition and diagnostic criteria. Different diagnostic criteria are used; serum phosphate (traditional criterion (TC)), the Friedli consensus recommendations, and the ASPEN. We investigated the incidence of RFS in older hospitalized patients and the mortality rates in patients with or without RFS using these three different diagnostic criteria. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study with data originating from a randomized controlled trial conducted between March 2017 and August 2019. A total of 85 malnourished hospitalized patients at risk of RFS according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence tool for detecting patients at risk of RFS, were included. All patients were provided with enteral tube feeding, and electrolytes were measured daily during the intervention period. Friedli and ASPEN included phosphate, magnesium, and potassium in their definitions, but used different cut-off values. Incidences were recorded, and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to determine whether mortality was more prevalent in patients with RFS. Regression analysis was used to test for confounders regarding the association between RFS and death, and Kappa was used to test for agreement between the three diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 79.8 (7.4) years, and the mean (SD) BMI was 18.5 (3.4) kg/m2. The mean (SD) kcal/kg/day was 19 (11) on day one and 26 (15) on day seven. The incidences of RFS differed with the criteria used; 12.9% (TC), 31.8% (Friedli), and 65.9% (ASPEN). Mortality was high, with 36.5% (n = 31) and 56.5% (n = 48) of patients dead at three-month and one-year follow-up, respectively. In the TC, 8/11 (72.7%) with RFS vs. 40/74 (54.1%) without RFS died within one-year, in Friedli 15/27 (55.5%) with RFS vs. 33/58 (56.9%) without RFS died, and in ASPEN 32/56 (65.9%) with RFS, vs. 16/29 (55.2%) without RFS died within one-year. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients with or without RFS regardless of which criteria were used. Age was the only variable associated with death at one-year. The Kappa analysis showed very low agreement between the categories. CONCLUSION: Our results show that using different diagnostic criteria significantly impacts incidence rates. However, regardless of criteria used, the mortality was not significantly higher in the group of patients with RFS compared to the patients without RFS. Furthermore, none of the criteria showed a significant association with death at one-year. This supports the need for a global unified diagnostic criterion for RFS. This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT03141489).

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Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a potentially life-threatening complication in malnourished (critically ill) patients. The presence of various accepted RFS definitions and the inclusion of heterogeneous patient populations in the literature has led to discrepancies in reported incidence rates in patients requiring treatment at an intensive care unit (ICU). We conducted a prospective observational study from 2010 to 2013 to assess the RFS incidence and clinical characteristics among medical ICU patients at a large tertiary center. RFS was defined as a decrease of more than 0.16 mmol/L serum phosphate to values below 0.65 mmol/L within seven days after the start of medical nutrition therapy or pre-existing serum phosphate levels below 0.65 mmol/L. Overall, 195 medical patients admitted to the ICU were included. RFS was recorded in 92 patients (47.18%). The presence of RFS indicated significantly altered phosphate and potassium levels and was accompanied by significantly more electrolyte substitutions (phosphate, potassium, and magnesium). No differences in fluid balance, energy delivery, and insulin requirements were detected. The presence of RFS had no impact on ICU length of stay and ICU mortality. Screening for RFS using simple diagnostic criteria based on serum phosphate levels identified critically ill patients with an increased demand for electrolyte substitutions. Therefore, stringent monitoring of electrolyte levels is indicated to prevent life-threatening complications.

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La anorexia nerviosa (AN) es una enfermedad de origen multifactorial. Recientemente se ha sumado el papel de las redes sociales y la microbiota intestinal en la patogenia. La pandemia por COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto negativo en los pacientes con AN. La potencial afectación médica y nutricional derivada de la desnutrición o las conductas compensatorias dan lugar a una compleja enfermedad de gravedad variable, cuyo manejo precisa un equipo multidisciplinar con elevado nivel de conocimientos en la materia. Es fundamental la coordinación entre niveles asistenciales y en la transición de pediatría a adultos. Una adecuada valoración clínica permite detectar eventuales complicaciones, así como establecer el riesgo orgánico del paciente y, por tanto, adecuar el tratamiento médico-nutricional de forma individualizada. El restablecimiento de un apropiado estado nutricional es un pilar fundamental del tratamiento en la AN. Para ello es necesario diseñar una intervención de renutrición individualizada que incluya un programa de educación nutricional. Según el escenario clínico puede ser necesaria la nutrición artificial. Aunque la decisión de qué nivel de atención escoger al diagnóstico o durante el seguimiento depende de numerosas variables (conciencia de enfermedad, estabilidad médica, complicaciones, riesgo autolítico, fracaso del tratamiento ambulatorio o contexto psicosocial, entre otros), el tratamiento ambulatorio es de elección en la mayoría de las ocasiones. No obstante, puede ser necesario un escenario más intensivo (hospitalización total o parcial) en casos seleccionados. En pacientes gravemente desnutridos debe prevenirse la aparición de un síndrome de alimentación cuando se inicia la renutrición. La presencia de una AN en determinadas situaciones (gestación, vegetarianismo, diabetes mellitus de tipo 1, etc.) exige un manejo particular. En estos pacientes también debe abordarse de forma correcta el ejercicio físico.(AU)

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a multifactorial disorder. A possible role of the social network and the gut microbiota in pathogenesis has been added.Exogenous shocks such as the COVID19 pandemic have had a negative impact on patients with AN.The potential medical and nutritional impact of malnutrition and/or compensatory behaviors gives rise to a complex disease with a wide range ofseverity, the management of which requires a multidisciplinary team with a high level of subject matter expertise. Coordination between levelsof care is necessary as well as understanding how to transition the patient from pediatric to adult care is essential. A proper clinical evaluationcan detect possible complications, as well as establish the organic risk of the patient. This allows caregivers to tailor the medical-nutritionaltreatment for each patient.Reestablishing adequate nutritional behaviors is a fundamental pillar of treatment in AN. The design of a personalized nutritional treatment andeducation program is necessary for this purpose. Depending on the clinical severity, artificial nutrition may be necessary. Although the decisionregarding the level of care necessary at diagnosis or during follow-up depends on a number of factors (awareness of the disease, medical stability,complications, suicidal risk, outpatient treatment failure, psychosocial context, etc.), outpatient treatment is the most frequent and most preferredchoice. However, more intensive care (total or partial hospitalization) may be necessary in certain cases. In severely malnourished patients, theappearance of refeeding syndrome should be prevented during renourishment.The presence of AN in certain situations (pregnancy, vegetarianism, type 1 diabetes mellitus) requires specific care. Physical activity in thesepatients must also be addressed correctly.(AU)

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OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of hypophosphatemia in patients admitted to the ICU who have required mechanical ventilation. To analyze the presence of risk factors and its relationship with nutritional practice. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Polyvalent ICUs of 2 University Hospitals. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: Patients on invasive mechanical ventilation ≥72 h with normal level of phosphorus at admission. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Electrolyte levels (phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) were determined on admission to the ICU and at 96 h. Risk categories on admission, caloric intake, insulin doses and acid-base status during the first 4 days of admission were recorded. Incidence was calculated as the number of patients who developed hypophosphataemia after admission. Univariate analysis was performed for between-group comparison and multivariate analysis of potential risk factors. RESULTS: 89 patients were included. The incidence of hypophosphataemia was 32.6%. In these patients phosphorus decreased from 3.57 ±â€¯1.02 mmol/l to 1.87 ±â€¯0.65 mmol/l (52.3%). The mean kcal/kg/24 h provided in the first 4 days was 17.4 ±â€¯4.1, with no difference between the group that developed hypophosphataemia and the group that did not. Significant risk factors were insulin doses administered and pH and PaCO2 values. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hypophosphataemia at 96 h from admission in mechanically ventilated patients is high and unrelated to the risk category and hypocaloric nutritional practice used. Insulin dosis and acid-base status are the main determinants of its occurrence.

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This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between the use of olanzapine, a psychopharmacological intervention commonly prescribed in Anorexia Nervosa treatment, and the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome. Despite the acknowledged nutritional and biochemical impacts of olanzapine, the literature lacks information regarding its specific association with Refeeding Syndrome onset in individuals with Anorexia Nervosa. This is a naturalistic, retrospective, observational study, reporting the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome in children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa, treated or untreated with olanzapine. Dosages and serum levels of olanzapine were assessed for potential associations with the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome and specific variations in Refeeding Syndrome-related electrolytes. Overall, 113 patients were enrolled, including 46 (41%) who developed a Refeeding Syndrome. Mild (87%), moderate (6.5%), and severe (6.5%) Refeeding Syndrome was described, at a current average intake of 1378 ± 289 kcal/day (39 ± 7.7 kcal/kg/die), frequently associated with nasogastric tube (39%) or parenteral (2.2%) nutrition. Individuals receiving olanzapine experienced a more positive phosphorus balance than those who did not (F(1,110) = 4.835, p = 0.030), but no difference in the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome was documented. The mean prescribed doses and serum concentrations of olanzapine were comparable between Refeeding Syndrome and no-Refeeding Syndrome patients.    Conclusion: The present paper describes the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome and its association with olanzapine prescriptions in children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa. Olanzapine was associated with a more positive phosphorus balance, but not with a different occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome. Further, longitudinal studies are required. What is Known: • Refeeding Syndrome (RS) is a critical complication during refeeding in malnourished patients, marked by electrolyte (phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) imbalances. • Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic with nutritional and biochemical impacts, is used in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) treatment, however data concerning its association with RS are lacking. What is New: • The study observed RS in 46/113 (41%) young patients with AN. • Olanzapine-treated individuals showed a higher improvement in serum phosphate levels than untreated ones, although no impact on the occurrence of Refeeding Syndrome was observed.

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BACKGROUND: Patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) may develop refeeding syndrome (RFS). This study determined RFS prevalence in hospitalized adults on PN and evaluated whether higher energy delivered by PN on day 1 of PN initiation was associated with RFS development. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of adult patients receiving PN at a Thai quaternary hospital from June 2019 to May 2022. RFS was defined based on the Nutrition Management Clinical Practice Recommendation by the Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition of Thailand. The association between PN energy delivery and RFS development was determined using a generalized estimating equation for multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for NICE guideline risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 547 patients was included (mean age 59.8 ± 17.2 years, mean body mass index 20.7 ± 4.8 ). The prevalence of RFS was 45%. Factors associated with RFS included energy from PN on the first day of PN initiation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.17; 95% CI 1.04-1.33; for every 5 kcal/kg/day increase), starvation >5 days prior to PN (aOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.04-2.26), concomitant diuretic use (aOR 1.81; 95% CI 1.25-2.64), low baseline potassium level (aOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.19-2.70), and individual compounding PN (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.04-2.51). CONCLUSION: RFS was common among hospitalized patients receiving PN. The amount of energy delivered on the first day of PN was independently associated with RFS, raising a concern regarding initiation of PN with higher energy.

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OBJECTIVE: The StRONG trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of higher calorie refeeding (HCR) in hospitalized adolescents and young adults with malnutrition secondary to restrictive eating disorders. Here we compare refeeding outcomes in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) versus anorexia nervosa (AN) and examine the impact of caloric dose. METHOD: Patients were enrolled upon admission and randomized to meal-based HCR, beginning 2000 kcal/day and advancing 200 kcal/day, or lower calorie refeeding (LCR), beginning 1400 kcal/day and advancing 200 kcal every other day. Atypical AN was defined as %median BMI (mBMI) > 85. Independent t-tests compared groups; multivariable linear and logistic regressions examined caloric dose (kcal/kg body weight). RESULTS: Among n = 111, mean ± SD age was 16.5 ± 2.5 yrs; 43% had atypical AN. Compared to AN, atypical AN had slower heart rate restoration (8.7 ± 4.0 days vs. 6.5 ± 3.9 days, p = .008, Cohen's d = -.56), less weight gain (3.1 ± 5.9%mBMI vs. 5.4 ± 2.9%mBMI, p < .001, Cohen's d = .51) and greater hypomagnesemia (29% vs. 11%, p = .03, OR = 3.29). These suboptimal outcomes were predicted by insufficient caloric dose (32.4 ± 6.9 kcal/kg in atypical AN vs. 43.4 ± 9.8 kcal/kg in AN, p < .001, Cohen's d = 1.27). For every 10 kcal/kg increase, heart rate was restored 1.7 days (1.0, 2.5) faster (p < .001), weight gain was 1.6%mBMI (.8, 2.4) greater (p < .001), and hypomagnesemia odds were 70% (12, 128) lower (p = .02). DISCUSSION: Although HCR is more efficacious than LCR for refeeding in AN, it contributes to underfeeding in atypical AN by providing an insufficient caloric dose relative to the greater body weight in this diagnostic group. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The StRONG trial previously demonstrated the efficacy and safety of higher calorie refeeding in patients with malnutrition due to restrictive eating disorders. Here we show that higher calorie refeeding contributes to underfeeding in patients with atypical anorexia nervosa, including poor weight gain and longer time to restore medical stability. These findings indicate these patients need more calories to support nutritional rehabilitation in hospital.

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OBJECTIVE: Nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration are often critical for the treatment of eating disorders (ED), yet are restricted by the potential risk of refeeding syndrome (RFS). The primary objective was to determine the incidence of RFS. Secondary objectives were to explore predictive factors of RFS and describe its impact on treatment goals for patients with ED. METHOD: This retrospective observational study reviewed the nutrition management for patients admitted to a quaternary hospital for ED treatment from 2018 to 2020. Data were collected during the first 4 weeks of admission and included anthropometry, energy prescription, incidence and severity of RFS, and electrolyte and micronutrient prescription. Outcomes included incidence of RFS, energy prescription and advancement, and weight change. RESULTS: Of 423 ED admissions, 217 patients (median [interquartile range, IQR] age 25 [21-30.5] years; 210 [97%] female) met inclusion criteria. Median (IQR) body mass index (BMI) on admission was 15.5 (14.1-17.3) kg/m2 . The mean (standard deviation) length of admission was 35 (7.3) days. Median (IQR) initial energy prescription was 1500 (930-1500) kcal/day. Seventy-three (33%) patients developed RFS; 34 (16%) mild, 27 (12%) moderate, and 12 (5%) severe. There was no association between RFS severity and admission BMI, energy prescription, or prescription of prophylactic electrolytes or micronutrients. Lower admission weight was associated with RFS (odds ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval [0.93-1.00], p = .035). Less than half of the participants met the weight gain target (>1 kg per week) in the first 3 weeks of admission. DISCUSSION: The incidence of severe RFS was low in this cohort and was associated with lower admission weight. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study is one of the largest studies to utilize consensus-defined criteria to diagnose RFS among adult patients admitted for treatment of an ED. This population is still considered to be at risk of RFS and will require close monitoring. The results add to the growing body of research that restriction of energy prescription to prevent RFS may not require the level of conservatism traditionally practiced.

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PURPOSE: To characterize and compare, through descriptive analysis, existing refeeding protocols for under 18 years old hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS: This is a systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, Lilacs and BVS databases, without search period restriction. Studies were selected in accordance with pre-defined eligibility criteria and according to the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome and Study Design (PICOS). RESULTS: Twenty articles out of 412 found complied with PICOS eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Most of the studies were observational or retrospective and 80% were published in the last decade. Large variability in relation to sample size, refeeding protocols and length of stay were observed between studies. CONCLUSION: All included studies had several methodological limitations and heterogeneous designs, making it difficult to establish conclusive guidelines regarding the most adequate and effective refeeding protocol for under 18 years old hospitalized patients with AN. Prospective trials are necessary to straight compare standard refeeding protocols for this population.

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Shortly after weaning, piglets generally eat dry feed poorly; but nevertheless, a phenomenal gain-to-feed ratio is achieved as they gain about as much weight as they eat (150-200 g/d). The high gain-to-feed ratio, though, cannot be explained by their nutrient intake or nutrient repartitioning. Analyses based on tissue composition and bio-electrical impedance data showed that newly weaned piglets lose fat, maintain protein, and gain large amounts of water because of edema. This edema, which may well contribute up to one kg of BW, seems to be triggered by refeeding syndrome. Refeeding syndrome in adult humans occurs when subjects fast for an extended period of time (weeks) that results in downshifts in metabolic activity and concomitant shedding of phosphate (PO4), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) in urine. If food is abruptly reintroduced, thus, resulting in strong insulin spikes, metabolism is triggered but hampered by a lack of PO4, Mg, K, and thiamine, causing hypophosphatemia, metabolic stress, and edema. In piglets, the same process appears to happen immediately after weaning but in hours rather than weeks, possibly linked to their high metabolic rate. Refeeding syndrome can be lethal in humans but does not appear to be directly lethal in piglets. Our attempts to prevent it through altered diet composition and/or controlled feeding programs have not resulted in better performance at the end of the nursery phase. A practical ramification of weaning-induced edema is that growth and gain-to-feed ratio data immediately after weaning should be interpreted with caution. In addition, diets arguably should be formulated to not strongly trigger insulin release, while high lysine levels are not needed as the gain is not based on protein accretion.

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BACKGROUND: The refeeding syndrome (RFS) is an oftentimes-unrecognized complication of reintroducing nutrition in malnourished patients that can lead to fatal cardiovascular failure. We hypothesized that a clinical decision support system (CDSS) can improve RFS recognition and management. METHODS: We developed an algorithm from current diagnostic criteria for RFS detection, tested the algorithm on a retrospective dataset and combined the final algorithm with therapy and referral recommendations in a knowledge-based CDSS. The CDSS integration into clinical practice was prospectively investigated for six months. RESULTS: The utilization of the RFS-CDSS lead to RFS diagnosis in 13 out of 21 detected cases (62%). It improved patient-related care and documentation, e.g., RFS-specific coding (E87.7), increased from once coded in 30 month in the retrospective cohort to four times in six months in the prospective cohort and doubled the rate of nutrition referrals in true positive patients (retrospective referrals in true positive patients 33% vs. prospective referrals in true positive patients 71%). CONCLUSION: CDSS-facilitated RFS diagnosis is possible and improves RFS recognition. This effect and its impact on patient-related outcomes needs to be further investigated in a large randomized-controlled trial.

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BACKGROUND: Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at high risk for refeeding syndrome (RFS), yet there is uncertainty regarding how RFS should be operationalized in the ICU. We evaluated different definitions for RFS and tested how they associated with patient-centered outcomes in the ICU. METHODS: This was a retrospective comparison study. Patients age ≥18 years were eligible if they were newly initiated on enteral feeding while hospitalized in the ICU. Eight definitions for RFS were operationalized, including that from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), all based on electrolyte levels from immediately before until up to 5 days after the initiation of enteral nutrition. Patients were followed for death or for ICU-free days, a measure of healthcare utilization. RESULTS: In all, 2123 patients were identified, including 406 (19.1%) who died within 30 days of ICU admission and 1717 (80.9%) who did not. Prevalence of RFS varied from 1.5% to 88% (ASPEN definition) depending on the RFS definition used. The excess risk for death associated with RFS varied from 33% to 92% across definitions. The development of RFS based on the ASPEN definition was associated with a greater decrease in ICU-free days compared with other definitions, but the relationship was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Eight definitions for RFS were evaluated, none of which showed strong associations with death or ICU-free days. It may be challenging to achieve a standardized definition for RFS that is based on electrolyte values and predicts mortality or ICU-free days.

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Refeeding syndrome (RS) is characterized by electrolyte imbalances that can occur in malnourished and abruptly refed patients. Typical features of RS are hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and thiamine deficiency. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that can affect both adults and children, although there is scarce evidence in the pediatric literature. The sudden increase in food intake causes a shift in the body's metabolism and electrolyte balance, leading to symptoms such as weakness, seizures, and even heart failure. A proper management with progressive increase in nutrients is essential to prevent the onset of this condition and ensure the best possible outcomes. Moreover, an estimated incidence of up to 7.4% has been observed in pediatric intensive care unit patients receiving nutritional support, alone or as an adjunct. To prevent RS, it is important to carefully monitor feeding resumption, particularly in severely malnourished individuals. A proper strategy should start with small amounts of low-calorie fluids and gradually increasing the calorie content and amount of food over several days. Close monitoring of electrolyte levels is critical and prophylactic use of dietary supplements such as thiamine may be required to correct any imbalances that may occur. In this narrative review, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of RS in pediatric clinical practice and provide a possible management algorithm.

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Eating after a period of starvation can cause refeeding syndrome, a fatal condition caused by a shift in fluids and electrolytes that can result in sudden death. The Battle for Tottori Castle (1581) during the Warring States Period of Japan, which witnessed the use of hyoro-zeme, the tactic of intentionally starving a besieged enemy, was followed by a dramatic episode of mass death among starving soldiers not from fighting but from eating; accounts from the period relate that many of the besieged soldiers survived the hyoro-zeme only to die soon afterwards when they were fed immediately after surrendering. We herein reviewed the Japanese historical records of the Battle for Tottori Castle and hypothesized that the hyoro-zeme episode they recount is possibly the oldest description of refeeding syndrome to be documented in Japan. Our investigation revealed sufficient evidence that refeeding syndrome was the cause of the mass deaths reported after the famous battle.

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