What is refing syndrome?
Refing syndrome is a condition that may occur when a person who has undergone a longer period of starvation or poor nutrition begins to eat again, which can lead to water retention and decreasing levels of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. These symptoms can lead to serious physical complications, including heart failure and even death. This condition was first observed during World War II, in prisoners of war. The condition usually manifests itself during the first few days of treatment. People who are treated for anorexia nervosa and alcoholism are also endangered by a condition. The body begins to use the fat of Aprotein stored in the body to generate energy and maintain a person alive. This use of proteins and fats reduces the amount of electrolytes in the body cells, including phosphate.
When a starving or malnourished person is re -established to eat or intravenous nutrition, the body begins to metabolize the carbohydrates to energy. Spankreas excludes more iNulin into the body and phosphate levels can drop drastically, causing seizures, respiratory failure, coma or heart failure. The reintroduction of carbohydrates also burden the respiratory system that can be fatal in combination with respiratory problems resulting from phosphate levels.
The stomach begins to deteriorate after long periods of starvation and produces less digestive enzymes. Therefore, when the food is re -introduced, it can be difficult for the patient to process it. Many patients experience nausea diarrhea when they first start eating again, and it may take several days or weeks for the stomach to adapt to eating food again.
starting a malnourished patient with a lower food level, between 25 and 50 percent from the estimated daily caloric requirements of the person, can help reduce the risk of refinging syndrome. Nutrition experts in hospitals and clinics can help monitor malnourished patients for signs of status before they become fatal to improve with regularfor treatment.
patients suffering from refinging syndrome are usually given concentrations of intravenous phosphate for 24 hours. After this initial period, doctors carefully monitor the patient's phosphate for several days and administer more phosphate as needed. There may also be other electrolyte imbalances and patients who have refinging syndrome for further complications.