Tube feeding syndrome is a potentially fatal condition caused by a tube feeding regimen that provides too little water for the excretion of its solute load. It has received little attention in the literature for the past 30 years. A recent case is described in which the patient improved with reduced tube feeding and an adequate water prescription. Observing generally accepted methods of estimating calorie, protein, and fluid needs, and monitoring patients' hydration status both initially and long term can help prevent tube feeding syndrome and can be lifesaving.
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