The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the nutritional states and investigate the energy intake of tube-fed patients with severe neurodevelopmental disability.

Eighty six tube-fed patients with severe neurodevelopmental disability were studied. Heights were measured by flexible scale segmentally. Nutritional parameters of weight, triceps skin- fold thickness and mid-arm circumference were also measured. Total caloric intakes through the tube were calculated.

The anthropometric results showed that nutritional states of tube-fed patients with severe neurodevelopmental disability were poor. The mean daily caloric intake was much less than daily energy requirement (mean=45.2% of requirement). The caloric intake was 7.2 kcal/height (cm), 57.0 kcal/weight (kg). Height was more related with caloric intake (r=0.476) than weight (r=0.263).

These results provide that tube-fed patients with severe neurodevelopmental disability were growth retarded and their energy intakes were much less than daily energy requirements. The preliminary evidence was that they need adequate nutritional supply.