Anne Bargiacchi1, Julia Clarke2, Anne Paulsen3, Juliane Leger3,4,5. 1. Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes de la Croissance et du Développement, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France. anne.bargiacchi@aphp.fr. 2. Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes de la Croissance et du Développement, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France. 3. Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service d'Endocrinologie Diabétologie Pédiatrique, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes de la Croissance et du Développement, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France. 4. Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France. 5. Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité 1141, DHU PROTECT, Paris, France.
Abstract
Refeeding in anorexia nervosa is a collaborative enterprise involving multidisciplinary care plans, but clinicians currently lack guidance, as treatment guidelines are based largely on clinical confidence rather than more robust evidence. It seems crucial to identify reproducible approaches to refeeding that simultaneously maximize weight recovery and minimize the associated risks, in addition to improving long-term weight and cognitive and behavioral recovery and reducing relapse rates. We discuss here various approaches to refeeding, including, among others, where, by which route, how rapidly patients are best refed, and ways of choosing between them, taking into account the precautions or the potential effects of medication or of psychological care, to define better care plans for use in clinical practice. Conclusion: The importance of early weight gain for long-term recovery has been demonstrated by several studies in both outpatient and inpatient setting. Recent studies have also provided evidence to support a switch in current care practices for refeeding from a conservative approach to higher calorie refeeding. Finally, the risks of undernutrition/"underfeeding syndrome" and a maintenance of weight suppression are now better identified. Greater caution should still be applied for more severely malnourished < 70% average body weight and/or chronically ill, adult patients. What is Known: • Refeeding is a central part of the treatment in AN and should be a multidisciplinary and collaborative enterprise, together with nutritional rehabilitation and psychological support, but there are no clear guidelines on the management of refeeding in clinical practice. • The risk of a refeeding syndrome is well known and well managed in severely malnourished patients ("conservative approaches"). What is New: • There is evidence that early weight restoration has an impact on outcome, justifying an aggressive approach to refeeding in the early stages of the illness. • The risks of "underfeeding syndrome" and of a maintenance of weight suppression are now better identified and there is sufficient evidence to support a switch in current care practices for refeeding from a conservative approach to higher calorie refeeding. Graphical abstract.
Refeeding in anorexia nervosa is a collaborative enterprise involving multidisciplinary care plans, but clinicians currently lack guidance, as treatment guidelines are based largely on clinical confidence rather than more robust evidence. It seems crucial to identify reproducible approaches to refeeding that simultaneously maximize weight recovery and minimize the associated risks, in addition to improving long-term weight and cognitive and behavioral recovery and reducing relapse rates. We discuss here various approaches to refeeding, including, among others, where, by which route, how rapidly patients are best refed, and ways of choosing between them, taking into account the precautions or the potential effects of medication or of psychological care, to define better care plans for use in clinical practice. Conclusion: The importance of early weight gain for long-term recovery has been demonstrated by several studies in both outpatient and inpatient setting. Recent studies have also provided evidence to support a switch in current care practices for refeeding from a conservative approach to higher calorie refeeding. Finally, the risks of undernutrition/"underfeeding syndrome" and a maintenance of weight suppression are now better identified. Greater caution should still be applied for more severely malnourished < 70% average body weight and/or chronically ill, adult patients. What is Known: • Refeeding is a central part of the treatment in AN and should be a multidisciplinary and collaborative enterprise, together with nutritional rehabilitation and psychological support, but there are no clear guidelines on the management of refeeding in clinical practice. • The risk of a refeeding syndrome is well known and well managed in severely malnourished patients ("conservative approaches"). What is New: • There is evidence that early weight restoration has an impact on outcome, justifying an aggressive approach to refeeding in the early stages of the illness. • The risks of "underfeeding syndrome" and of a maintenance of weight suppression are now better identified and there is sufficient evidence to support a switch in current care practices for refeeding from a conservative approach to higher calorie refeeding. Graphical abstract.
Authors: Phillipa Hay; David Chinn; David Forbes; Sloane Madden; Richard Newton; Lois Sugenor; Stephen Touyz; Warren Ward Journal: Aust N Z J Psychiatry Date: 2014-11 Impact factor: 5.744