Refeeding syndrome in children with different clinical aetiology

Abstract

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a well-described state of the series of metabolic and biochemical changes that can occur during the feeding of malnourished persons. The shifts in fluids and electrolytes can lead to complications during artificial feeding, which if not recognised and untreated can lead to death. Although the physiology and pathophysiology of RFS is well known, the circumstances under which the RFS appears, clinical manifestations and management of these patients are less clear. There are few published studies describing the occurrence of RFS in children. We describe two cases of RFS in children. The first case is a boy with unrecognised coeliac disease and second case is a girl with cerebral palsy. In both cases, the RFS has developed without clinical symptoms and it was shown only through laboratory findings. Electrolyte disturbances have been successfully corrected and treatment of the underlying disease continued. © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.