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Refeeding syndrome in elderly patients

Publication |
2021

Abstract

Refeeding syndrome was first observed after the liberation of prisoners from concentration camps after the end of World War II and was described in 1948. coma. This disorder is regularly observed if there is a rapid decrease in body weight that is greater than 10% in less than 6 months.

The syndrome, although known for a long time, has not been precisely researched in important details, and the professional public has not yet agreed on a precise definition. In addition to prolonged malnutrition, refeeding syndrome appears as an accompanying phenomenon and complications of a number of diseases, such as chronic infections (tuberculosis), severe postoperative conditions, swallowing disorders, neurological diseases, pancreatic diseases and others.

Refeeding syndrome may occur intermittently after complete starvation for 10 days or more, followed by calorie-rich food intake.