Davao Regional Medical Center Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Philippines
Objectives: Refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening condition that occurs in malnourished patients when nutrition is reintroduced, leading to metabolic and electrolyte imbalances. Despite its significant impact on patient outcomes, particularly mortality, it remains underrecognized in clinical settings. Understanding the predictors of mortality in patients with refeeding syndrome is crucial for improving management strategies and reducing risks.
The study determined the clinico-demographic profile, predictors of mortality and length of hospital stay among patients with refeeding syndrome admitted in a tertiary government hospital on January to December 2021.
Methods: This study employed a quantitative, descriptive, retrospective, observational, and predictive research design.
Results: The study analyzed 461 patients, with a mean age of 51.16 years. Most patients were male (55.30%) and suffered from various comorbidities, including malignancy (25.80%), chronic kidney disease (6.70%), and cerebrovascular accidents (20.40%). Severe malnutrition was prevalent in 65.70% of patients. Feeding methods included oral (52.30%) and nasogastric tube (41.00%). Malignancy (p = 0.022), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.017), multiple comorbidities (p = 0.064), moderate (p < 0.001), and severe malnutrition (p = 0.001) significantly increased mortality risk. Nasogastric (p = 0.018) and parenteral feeding (p = 0.005) also heightened mortality, while oral feeding reduced risk (p = 0.000). Length of stay averaged 16.18 days and was significantly impacted by age and cerebrovascular comorbidities.
Conclusions: Age, comorbidity, nutritional, and feeding route status emerged as key clinicodemographic factors influencing the outcomes of patients with refeeding syndrome. Understanding these predictors can improve the management and prognosis of refeeding syndrome in clinical settings.
