Aims: This consensus statement document describes the recommendations of the Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition regarding the identification and management of refeeding syndrome and refeeding syndrome risk.Methods: An expert working group completed a review of the literature to develop recommendations for the consensus statements. Review of the drafted consensus statements was undertaken by highly experienced clinicians.Results: The identification and management of refeeding syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach. Actual refeeding syndrome is rare; however, all patients should be assessed for the risk of its development. Refeeding syndrome should only be diagnosed if the patient has had adequate nutrition intake (≥50% of estimated requirements), with electrolyte imbalances and clinical symptoms emerging after its commencement. Thiamin and multivitamin supplementation and regular electrolyte monitoring should be provided to all patients at risk of developing refeeding syndrome. There is no evidence that patients at risk of developing refeeding syndrome should be started at an initial lower enteral feeding rate than already recommended for checking tolerance to enteral feeds. Goal nutrition rates should be reached within 24–72 h for all routes of nutrition. Low electrolyte levels should be replaced as per local guidelines, with consideration given to the route of replacement.Conclusion: These consensus statements are expected to provide guidance at a national level to improve the identification and management of refeeding syndrome and refeeding syndrome risk.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and the nutritional approaches implemented with patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records for patients admitted to a tertiary hospital for alcohol withdrawal was completed over a 5-year period 2013–2017. Data on nutrition-related assessment and management were extracted and descriptively analysed. Results: A total of 109 medical records were included (M = 73, F = 36), with the mean age of patients 47.3 years (SD ± 11.2, range 22–70). The average length of stay was 3.7 days (SD ± 3.9, range 0.70–27.8). Approaches towards nutritional care emerged from micronutrient assessment and supplementation and/or dietetic consultation. Nutrition-related biochemistry data was available for most patients, notably serum levels of sodium, urea and creatinine (102 patients; 93.5%) and magnesium and phosphate (66 patients, 60.5%). There was evidence of some electrolyte abnormalities on admission to hospital. Eight patients had serum micronutrient status assessed; no patients had serum thiamine levels assessed. Parenteral thiamine was provided to 96 patients (88.0%) for 1.9 days (SD ± 1.1, range 1.0–6.0) with a mean dose of 2458.7 mg (SD ± 1347.6, range 300–6700 mg). Multivitamin supplementation was provided to 24 patients (22.0%). Only 23 patients (21.2%) were seen by a dietician of whom 16 underwent a comprehensive nutritional assessment and 3 were screened using the malnutrition screening tool. Conclusion: Inconsistent nutritional assessment and management practices were identified across a diverse population group, whilst nutritional professionals were underutilized. Future research should benchmark current guidelines and multidisciplinary approaches considering the role of nutritional specialists in the team.

This article reviews nutritional considerations in patients who drink at risky levels or have alcohol dependence. It aims to enhance GPs’ awareness of nutritional considerations in this patient group.