Measured versus calculated energy expenditure in pressure support ventilated ICU patients.

Abstract

The use of both "stress" and "activity" correction factors seems to be excessive in pressure support ventilated ICU patients. A single correction factor, proportional to the intensity of the illness, should be used in mechanically ventilated patients. Compared to the original Harris-Benedict formula, we found an EE increment of about 20%, 30%, and 50% respectively in non-septic/non-complicated, surgical complicated, and multiple trauma/septic patients.