Resting energy expenditure in stroke patients who are dependent on tube feeding: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Energy requirements of chronic stroke patients are not known. The purpose was to determine the energy requirements of stable stroke patients who are tube fed.


METHODS
Resting energy expenditure was measured in tube fed, chronic stroke patients (n=10) using indirect calorimetry. Fat free mass was then measured using bioelectrical impedance to determine the relationship between fat free mass and resting energy expenditure. The results were compared to a healthy control group (n=57), using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).


RESULTS
Fat free mass was significantly lower in the stroke group (42.2+/-2.3kg) than the controls (51.0+/-1.5kg) (p<0.02). Adjustment of resting energy expenditure for fat free mass brought the mean resting energy expenditure of the stroke group (5439+/-235kJ/d) closer to that of the controls (6336+/-149kJ/d) than the original measured values. However, adjusted resting energy expenditure remained significantly lower for the stroke group than for the control group (p<0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Resting energy expenditure and hence energy needs of chronically tube fed stroke survivors appear to be reduced.
Leone
Ashley
A
Department of General Internal Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Pencharz
Paul B
PB
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005774:Gastrostomy; D006801:Humans; D007582:Jejunostomy; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020521:Stroke / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*