Refeeding syndrome in severely malnourished patient

Refeeding syndrome is a potentially lethal condition observed in severely malnourished patients due to severe shifts in electrolytes during refeeding. We report the refeeding of a severely malnourished 53-year old male with a body mass index (BMI) of 10. Initially refeeding was enteral 25 kCal/kg which had to be replaced by combined enteral and parenteral nutrition. The patient suffered several complications, e.g. severe electrolyte disturbances, oedema of the lung, and infections. The patient was successfully discharged to a recreational facility after three months.