Measured Energy Expenditure in Mechanically Ventilated Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Forty-nine calorimetric studies were performed on 24 very low birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome on mechanical ventilation during the first seven postnatal days. Mean resting energy expenditure for the entire study was 59±21 kilocalories/kg daily, with a respiratory quotient of 0.93±0.1, reflecting the predominance of carbohydrate calories. A comparison of mean energy intake with mean resting energy expenditure showed a mean caloric deficit of 31 kcal/k daily during the first 4 postnatal days, followed by 3 days where resting energy expenditure was met by equivalent caloric intake. Wide variation was noted in resting energy expenditure.