Accuracy of an indirect calorimeter for mechanically ventilated infants and children: The influence of low rates of gas exchange and varying Fio2

Abstract

The Deltatrac II MBM-200 metabolic monitor appears accurate for low levels of V(O2) and V(CO2) during mechanical ventilation with F(IO2) levels up to 0.390. With increasing F(IO2) to 0.558, the increase in deviation of V(O2) for single measurements can be of clinical relevance for mechanically ventilated infants and children. The increased fluctuation of delivered F(IO2) on higher levels of F(IO2) is likely the cause of the inaccuracy.