Measured energy expenditure of tube-fed patients with severe neurodevelopmental disabilities

Objective: To determine measured resting energy expenditure (REE) of nonamb ulatory tube-fed patients with severe neurological neurodevelopmental disab ilities. Methods: Twenty patients were prospectively studied. Only steady state indi rect calorimetry measurements were taken. All measurements were conducted u sing a canopy system. Nutritional needs were met entirely by enteral feedin gs via a permanent ostomy. Results: REE was widely distributed from 16 kcals/kg/day to 39 kcals/kg/day . The mean REE (888+/-176 kcals/day) of the patients was significantly (p<0 .01) lower than predicted as estimated by the Harris-Benedict equations (10 81+/-155 kcals/day) and World Health Organization equations (1194+/-167 kca ls/day). Fat-free mass (FFM) was the best parameter for predicting REE. Two predictive equations were developed that are not significantly biased and more precise (less than or equal to 15% error) than conventional predictive formulas. Conclusion: Conventional formulas for estimating energy expenditure are ina ccurate and generally overestimate measured energy expenditure of nonambula tory patients with severe developmental disabilities.