Selenium deficiency and electrocardiography changes in patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities on long-term tube feeding]

In order to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) on electrocardiograms (ECG), we studied the serum Se levels and ECG in 25 patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities. Serum Se levels in patients receiving tube feeding with enteral formulae were lower than those in orally fed patients. ECG abnormalities including an inverted T wave and depression of the ST segment were more common in patients under tube feeding. During tube feeding with enteral formulae, it is necessary to examine serum Se levels and ECG. Serum Se levels should be kept at 5 to 6 micrograms/dl to prevent cardiac dysfunction. To prevent selenium deficiency, either addition of ordinary foods, replacement by selenium-rich formula, or Se supplementation is recommended.