Risk of refeeding syndrome: an observational study in primary healthcare

Abstract

Background: Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a complex phenomenon associated with increased mortality. However, the prevalence of risk factors for RFS has never been assessed in primary care. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of risk for developing RFS in primary care.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a general practitioner (GP) surgery in June 2022. The study included older adult patients (aged ≥75 years) or adult patients with chronic disease (aged 18-74 years), living at home and receiving care at home or at the GP's surgery between January 1 and June 30, 2021. Patients at high risk of developing RFS were identified using the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) criteria. The risk of RFS was also assessed in patients aged ≥70 years using an adaptation of the NICE criterion for body mass index based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition guidelines.

Results: The prevalence of patients at risk for RFS was 2.8% (95% CI: 1.5%-4.1%) in the full population of 611 patients and 8.8% (95% CI: 6.1%-6.4%) in the subset of patients aged ≥70 years assessed using the adapted NICE criterion. The prevalence of patients at risk for RFS increased with age and chronic conditions. More severe comorbidity and home care were factors associated with higher risk of RFS.

Conclusion: The risk of developing RFS in primary care settings is not negligible. GPs should consider this risk in their practice to develop a more comprehensive care programme.

Keywords: aged; chronic disease; malnutrition; primary healthcare; refeeding syndrome; risk assessment.