Resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry in mechanically ventilated patients during ICU stay and post-ICU hospitalization: A prospective observational study

The metabolic course during and after critical illness is unclear. We performed repeated indirect calorimetry (IC) measurements during ICU- and post-ICU hospitalization to determine resting energy expenditure (REE). Prospective observational design. In ventilated ICU patients, IC measurements were performed every three days until hospital discharge. Measured REE as predicted by the Harris-Benedict equation (HBE-REE) and 25 kcal/adjusted body weight/day (25-REE) were compared. In 56 patients (38% females, 71[13]years, BMI 29(27;31)kg/m2), 189 ICU IC measurements were performed. Measured REE did not differ from HBE-REE at ICU admission, but was lower than 25-REE. Measured REE was increased compared to baseline on ICU-admission-day four (29(29–30)kcal/kg/day; mean difference 3.1(1.4–4.9)kcal/kg/day, p < 0.001) and thereafter during ICU admission. During post-ICU ward stay, 44 measurements were performed in 23 patients, showing a higher mean REE than during ICU stay (33(31–35)kcal/kg/day; mean difference 2.6(1.2–3.9)kcal/kg/day, p < 0.001). The REE in the ICU and ward was >110% of HBE-REE from day four onwards. Critically ill mechanically ventilated patients were shown to have a resting energy expenditure (REE) > 110% of predicted REE on ICU admission day four and thereafter. Indirect calorimetry measurements suggest that the mean energy requirements during post-ICU hospitalization are higher than those in the ICU.