eP12 Refeeding syndrome after bariatric surgery: a systematic review of the literature

Aims The aim of this study was to examine the currently available literature and provide an overview of the reported cases of RFS (Refeeding Syndrome) in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Methods We performed a systematic screen of Embase, Medline and Scopus until June 2024. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Results We identified a total of 9 patients with RFS who had a history of bariatric surgery with mean age of 37.25 years. Five participants (55.5%) were females and 2 were males (22.2%). Adjustable gastric band was the main bariatric procedure performed in almost half of the patients (44.4%, 4/9) followed by gastric bypass (22.2%, 2/9). Post-operatively all patients experienced weight loss that ranged from 29.7–78.1% of the pre-operative weight. Most common symptoms included vomiting (44.4%, 4/9) and abdominal pain (22.2%, 2/9). Most of the patients (66.6%, 6/9) received vitamin supplementation, followed by electrolyte replacement (55.5%, 5/9). Most of patients (88.8%, 8/9) improved and one patient died (11%, 1/9). Conclusions Refeeding syndrome is a rarely reported complication after bariatric surgery, but as the frequency of bariatric surgery increases, RFS is expected to become more common. Clinical awareness among bariatric specialists is important for the identification of high-risk individuals as well as for the early diagnosis and successful management of patients with RFS.