Development of a nutritional assessment system for ventilated pediatric patients

Summary form only given. Accurately measuring nutritional assessment is particularly important in the management of patients at the intensive care setting. The efficacy of mechanical ventilation is dependent upon, physiological conditions and gas flow, volume, inspired oxygen concentration and end expiratory pressure (PEEP). Lung work measurements are critical, thus, the vital role that Clinical Engineering plays in both evaluating existing technology and validation of new one in matching capability with needs. The metabolic system was designed utilizing a mass spectrometer (Perkin Elmer MGA 1100) for gas analysis, a screen type pneumotachograph (Hans-Rudolph) for volume measurements, and a computer (Inspiron 7500) with software (Consentius Technologies) to calculate the metabolic parameters. Validation results for VO/sub 2/ shown as relative error % were: Douglas Bag was -0.4 /spl plusmn/ 1.5 and the in-vitro infusion technique (CO/sub 2/ & N/sub 2/) was 2 /spl plusmn/ 1.8. The accurate measurement of gas exchange in the clinical setting requires consideration of many variables, with in vitro and in vivo validation. The results of these tests demonstrate that the metabolic system developed is useful in measuring metabolic variables in critical care setting.