Indirect Calorimetry in Critically Ill Patients: Role of the Clinical Dietitian in Interpreting Results

Evaluation and interpretation of energy needs of critically ill patients require the expertise of clinical dietitians. Dietitians must be knowledgeable about the methods available to quantify energy needs and able to communicate effectively with physicians and nurses regarding nutritional requirements. Several prediction equations are available for calculating energy needs of critically ill patients. Indirect calorimetry is also used frequently to measure energy requirements in this patient population. This article defines when energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry may provide clinically useful information. Data obtained by indirect calorimetry must be interpreted carefully. Indirect calorimetry is based on the equations for oxidation of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Errors in interpretation can be made when metabolic pathways other than oxidation dominate or when clinical conditions exist that affect carbon dioxide excretion from the lungs. Before incorporating data obtained from indirect calorimetry into a nutrition care plan, the clinical dietitian should carefully evaluate the following factors for a patient: clinical conditions when the measurement was made, desired weight loss or gain, tolerance to food or nutrition support, relationship between protein intake and energy need, and need for anabolism or growth. This article provides clinical examples illustrating how measured values compare with calculated values and recommendations for how to incorporate measured values into nutrition care plans. J Am DietAssoc. 1996; 96:49-54,57.