Effect of selenium deficiency on cardiac function of individuals with severe disabilities under long-term tube feeding

Abstract

Eleven orally fed (group A) and 14 tube-fed patients (group B) with severe disabilities and neurological disorders were compared to determine whether selenium (Se) deficiency is present in patients undergoing long-term tube feeding, and to examine if Se supplementation has beneficial effects on their cardiac function. Assessments of Se intake, serum levels of Se, and cardiac-function analysis including chest X-ray, electrocardiography (ECG), and M-mode echocardiography (UCG) were made. For group B, the effect of Se supplementation on cardiac function was assessed. Statistical significance was determined using Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Deficiencies of Se were found in group B. ECG abnormalities were more common in group B than group A. UCG showed a lower ejection fraction, a lower mean rate of circumferential fiber shortening corrected by heart rate, and a lower diastolic velocity of the left-ventricular posterior walls in group B than in group A. In group B, Se supplementation resulted in normalized serum Se levels, partial improvement of ECG abnormalities, and an increase of cardiac functions on UCG. It is thought that Se has beneficial effects on the myocardium of chronically tube-fed patients. Se supplementation is recommended in this population.