Search
Site Search
About CHAM
Who We Are
Our Mission
Our Values
CHAM Leadership
In the Community
News
Community Events
Inside CHAM
CHAM Connections
CHAM Mentions
Bronx Locations
US News & World Report
Health Library
Patient Health Library
Refer a Patient
Find a Doctor
Find a Clinical Trial
SIGN IN TO MYCHART
Ways to Give
Volunteer
Volunteering at CHAM
Why Support Montefiore
Donate
Toggle menu
Specialties & Programs
Pediatric Specialties
View Specialties
Adolescent Medicine (Gynecology, Menstrual disorders, Contraception, Eating disorders, Obesity)
Allergy and Immunology
Anesthesiology
Cardiology (Heart)
Cardiothoracic Surgery (Heart)
Community and Population Health
Craniofacial Surgery
Critical Care Medicine
Dentistry
Dermatology (Skin Disorders)
Developmental Medicine (Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Autism, ADHD, Developmental Delays and Mental Health)
Emergency Medicine
Endocrinology & Diabetes
Fetal Medicine (High Risk OB/GYN)
Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Liver Disease, Liver Transplant
General Pediatrics (Academic General Pediatrics)
Genetics (Inherited Diseases, Rare Diseases, Genetic Counseling)
Heart
Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Cellular Therapy
Hepatology (Liver Disease)
Hospital Medicine
Infectious Disease (Vaccines, Complex Infection and Antibiotic Management)
Neonatology (Premature and Sick Newborn Care)
Nephrology (Kidney Disease, Hypertension, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant)
Neurology (Seizures, Neuromuscular and Brain Diseases, Muscular Dystrophy, Rhett Syndrome)
Neurosurgery
Ophthalmology (Eye and Vision)
Orthopedics (Bones and Joints)
Otorhinolaryngology (Ears, Nose, Throat)
Plastic Surgery
Psychiatry (Therapy for Mental Health Problems, Depression, Psychiatric Diseases)
Radiology,X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT, interventional procedures
Respiratory and Sleep Medicine (Lung and Breathing Problems, Asthma, Sleep Apnea)
Rheumatology (Lupus, Juvenile Arthritis, Childhood Autoimmune Diseases)
Surgery
Urology (Kidney, Ureter and Bladder)
PROGRAMS & CENTERS
View All Programs & Centers >
For Patients & Families
Getting Here
Your Hospital Visit
Neighborhood Services
Visitors
Community Events
Support Services
Paying For Your Visit
FAQs
Find A Doctor
Get Directions
For Health
Professionals
Refer A Patient
Residency and Fellowship at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore
Nursing At CHAM
Grand Rounds
Careers
L.E.A.D. Program
Staff & Alumni Association
Quality & Performance Improvement
CHAM Leadership
Medical Student Education
Clinical Pathways
Research
Child Health Research at CHAM
Improving Child Health Across Disciplines
Clinical Trials
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
Preventive Intervention Research Center for Child Health (PIRC)
IMPLEMENT
Home
Health Library
Health Library
<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeMini HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a> </p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">Refeeding Syndrome</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-acl1438"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="094f5341" fingerprint-exact="2f1fbea7">Condition Basics</h2> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="b3cd332e" fingerprint-exact="7f620e8e">What is refeeding syndrome?</h3> <p fingerprint="943150a0" fingerprint-exact="22c98011">Refeeding syndrome is a problem that may happen when nutrition is given after a period of not eating or not eating enough. It causes electrolyte changes and fluid shifts. This can lead to organ problems. The condition can be severe and life-threatening. It can happen with conditions such as anorexia nervosa and cancer.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="961fa8f3" fingerprint-exact="f8e5cf9f">What are the symptoms?</h3> <p fingerprint="fc90c62f" fingerprint-exact="aa2093b7">Symptoms can include:</p> <ul fingerprint="443e68da" fingerprint-exact="4e9b9fe7"> <li>Nausea and vomiting.</li> <li>Tingling that feels like "pins and needles."</li> <li>Swelling in your legs (edema).</li> <li>Weakness.</li> <li>Confusion.</li> <li>Low blood pressure.</li> <li>Seizures.</li> <li>A change in the normal rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia).</li> <li>Breathing problems and sometimes respiratory failure.</li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="f303adcf" fingerprint-exact="a71c376a">How is it treated?</h3> <p fingerprint="8f0e869c" fingerprint-exact="21705767">You'll be watched closely by your care team. Because refeeding syndrome can be dangerous, it's treated in a hospital. You'll likely be given extra vitamins and electrolytes through a tube in your vein (I.V.). Nutrition is increased slowly. You may get nutrition by eating, through a feeding tube, or through an I.V.</p> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionRelatedInformation" id="sec-acp7630-RelInfo"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="d5f858e0" fingerprint-exact="c0ffe04b">Related Information</h2><ul fingerprint="6cd1517c" fingerprint-exact="e8208e41"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="aa112018" data-hw-section="acn7872" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="aa112018" data-hwid="aa112018" hw:section-href="acn7872" href="?id=aa112018#acn7872">Making Wise Health Decisions</a></li></ul></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwCreditsSection HwSectionCredits" id="sec-acp7630-Credits"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle">Credits</h2><div class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span> October 7, 2024</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</span></a><br><span><b><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en" title="Opens in a new window"><span class="HwLinkText">Clinical Review Board</span></a></b></span><br>All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentBottom"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigation"><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:block" id="secNav-acl1438"><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Mini" data-hw-document-href="acp7630" data-hw-section="acp7630-RelInfo" id="nextLink-acp7630-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Mini" hw:document-href="acp7630" data-hwid="acp7630" hw:section-href="acp7630-RelInfo" href="?id=acp7630#acp7630-RelInfo">Related Information</a><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true"> »</span></div><div class="HwClear"> </div></div><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:none" id="secNav-acp7630-RelInfo"><div class="HwContentNavigationPrev"><p>Previous Section: </p><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true">« </span><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Mini" data-hw-document-href="acp7630" data-hw-section="acl1438" id="prevLink-acl1438" hw:document-type="Mini" hw:document-href="acp7630" data-hwid="acp7630" hw:section-href="acl1438" href="?id=acp7630#acl1438">Condition Basics</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Mini" data-hw-document-href="acp7630" data-hw-section="acp7630-Credits" id="nextLink-acp7630-Credits" hw:document-type="Mini" hw:document-href="acp7630" data-hwid="acp7630" hw:section-href="acp7630-Credits" href="?id=acp7630#acp7630-Credits">Credits</a><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true"> »</span></div><div class="HwClear"> </div></div><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:none" id="secNav-acp7630-Credits"><div class="HwContentNavigationPrev"><p>Previous Section: </p><span class="HwNavLinkArrow" aria-hidden="true">« </span><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Mini" data-hw-document-href="acp7630" data-hw-section="acp7630-RelInfo" id="prevLink-acp7630-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Mini" hw:document-href="acp7630" data-hwid="acp7630" hw:section-href="acp7630-RelInfo" href="?id=acp7630#acp7630-RelInfo">Related Information</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></div><div class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </div><div class="HwClear"> </div></div></div><div class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span>October 7, 2024</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en">Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff</a></p><p><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><span><b>Clinical Review Board</b></span></a><br>All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar2"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationTop"> </div><div class="HwElement" id="HwNavigationWrapper"><div class="HwNavigation" id="HwNavigation" role="navigation"><h3 class="HwNavStackHeader" id="HwNavStackHeader">Topic Contents</h3><ul aria-labelledby="HwNavStackHeader"><li id="nav-acl1438"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Mini" data-hw-document-href="acp7630" data-hw-section="acl1438" hw:document-type="Mini" hw:document-href="acp7630" data-hwid="acp7630" hw:section-href="acl1438" href="?id=acp7630#acl1438">Condition Basics</a></li><li id="nav-acp7630-RelInfo"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Mini" data-hw-document-href="acp7630" data-hw-section="acp7630-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Mini" hw:document-href="acp7630" data-hwid="acp7630" hw:section-href="acp7630-RelInfo" href="?id=acp7630#acp7630-RelInfo">Related Information</a></li><li id="nav-acp7630-Credits"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Mini" data-hw-document-href="acp7630" data-hw-section="acp7630-Credits" hw:document-type="Mini" hw:document-href="acp7630" data-hwid="acp7630" hw:section-href="acp7630-Credits" href="?id=acp7630#acp7630-Credits">Credits</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="HwNavigationWrapper HwNavigationEmpty"> </div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationBottom"> </div></div></div></div><div class="HwBlock" id="HwFooter"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwCustom HwColumn" id="HwCustomFooterLeft"> </div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwFooterLegal"><div class="HwLegal HwElement" role="contentinfo"><div class="HwLogo"><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><img class="HwNoHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"><img class="HwHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"></a></div><div class="HwDisclaimer"><p>This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the <a href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/terms.aspx">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/privacy.aspx">Privacy Policy</a>. Learn <a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en">how we develop our content</a>.</p></div><div class="HwOptionalLogo"><div class="HwLogo"><a class="HwLinkExternal" href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en"><img class="HwNoHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"><img class="HwHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" alt="Click here to learn about Ignite Healthwise, LLC" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/14.6/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:release-quarter="14.6"></a></div></div><div class="HwCopyright"><p class="HwCopyrightLink">To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit <a href="https://www.webmdignite.com/">webmdignite.com</a>. </p><p>© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. </p></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom HwColumn" id="HwCustomFooterRight"> </div></div></div><div class="HwCustom HwBlock" id="HwCustomFooter"> </div></div>