Malnutrition, Weight Loss and Eating Disorders Clinical Pathway — ICU and Inpatient
Malnutrition, Weight Loss and Eating Disorders Clinical Pathway — ICU and Inpatient
Assess for Refeeding Syndrome
Refeeding syndrome is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication that can occur during nutritional rehabilitation. Electrolyte abnormalities and fluid shifts that occur during increased caloric intake can result in a decrease in potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and/or glucose and edema and pericardial effusion, which can lead to potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Patients at high risk for Refeeding Syndrome present with one or more of the following:
- Less than 80% median BMI
- Greater than or equal to 10% weight loss in past 1-2 months
- Persistent hypothermia, (36.8°C) body temperature
- Inadequate intake for at least 5-10 days
- Bradycardia (heart rate < 50 bmp during the day)