Enteral nutrition and refeeding syndrome in a patient with anorexia nervosa and COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: the evidence on the health problem-related prevalence of COVID-19 is an emergency.

Case report: we present the case of a 28-year-old woman who had had a behavioral eating disorder (BED) since age 12. Her body mass index (BMI) was 13.6 kg/m2. She was hospitalized for a respiratory condition (bronchospasm) due to COVID-19, with supplementary oxygen at two liters. During her stay, she refused food and was started on standard enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube. She developed refeeding syndrome (RFS), which was managed with electrolytes, and her enteral diet was changed to a low-carbohydrate high-protein diet. She received psychological therapy through video calls, recovered, and was discharged to home.

Discussion: refeeding complications increase when a high caloric rate is begun. The standard enteral formula has 54% carbohydrates, which contributes to the risk of developing RFS. The consequences of BED and COVID-19 are unknown, and it is likely to become more evident over time.