Hypophosphatemia in a Specialized Intestinal Failure Unit: An Observational Cohort Study

Background Patients with intestinal failure (IF) are prone to hypophosphatemia and shifts in magnesium and potassium levels. Although these shifts are often attributed to refeeding syndrome (RFS), the incidence of electrolyte shifts among patients with IF is unknown. We evaluated the occurrence of hypophosphatemia and other electrolyte shifts according to the functional and pathophysiological IF classifications. Methods We consecutively included all patients’ first admission to an IF unit from 2013 to 2017. Electrolyte shifts were defined as severe hypophosphatemia