A retrospective cohort analysis of factors associated with the development of refeeding syndrome in children 0-59 months diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition in a South African setting.

In this population of children with SAM treated in a South African public hospital setting, the presence on hospital admission of low levels of electrolytes, elevated INR, dehydration, diarrhea, and UTI was significantly associated with developing RFS. Recognizing these as possible red flags for developing RFS in children admitted with SAM might contribute to improved outcomes and needs further investigation.