A Case of Possible Acute Refeeding Syndrome: A Review of a Rare, But Potentially Life-Threatening Diagnosis.
An 18-year-old Hispanic male presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department with acute onset of bilateral lower extremity edema. He had no history of similar symptoms. He had recently lost 70 pounds in the past six-months by restricting himself to an extreme diet and exercise regimen.
Two days prior to presentation, he resumed a normal diet. In this illustrative case, we describe a case report of possible refeeding syndrome and discuss the presentation, risk factors, management and potential complications of this diagnosis.
There is an obesity epidemic in the western world and unfortunately childhood is not immune to its reaches. Nearly 20 percent of children in the United States are overweight or obese.
Many quick fixes and crash diets are advertised to aid patients to lose weight. However, without lifestyle and behavior modification, it is nearly impossible to keep off the weight lost during extreme dieting. Additionally, there are risks to extreme dieting which is exemplified in this case.
An 18-year-old Hispanic male presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department with acute onset of bilateral lower extremity edema. He had no history of similar symptoms. His recent medical history was significant for an intentional 70 pound weight loss over the past 6 months.
This was achieved by restricting his diet to fruits, vegetables, and water only and intermittent vigorous and lengthy exercise. He reported increased urinary frequency and that his urine had been “frothy”.
Emerg Med Open J. 2016; 2(1): 17-22. doi: 10.17140/EMOJ-2-123
