Objective
To determine, in a cohort of young children with intestinal failure (IF), if estimates of basal metabolic rate (BMR) by standard equations, approximate measured REE by indirect calorimetry (IC).
Methods
IC was performed by dilutional canopy technique. REE measurements were compared to standard, age-based estimation equations (WHO) for BMR. Subjects were classified as hypermetabolic (REE > 110% BMR), hypometabolic (REE < 90% BMR), or normal (REE = 90–110% BMR).
Results
Twenty-eight IF patients (11 female, 17 male) had an underlying diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (n=10) or a congenital gastrointestinal defect (n=18). Median age was 5.3 months. Median (IQR) REE was 46 (42, 58) kcal/kg/day. Median (IQR) total energy intake provided 209 (172, 257)% of REE, with parenteral nutrition providing 76% (23%) of total energy intake. REE was variable, with 39% (n=11) of measurements hypermetabolic, 39% (n=11) hypometabolic, and the remaining 21% (n=6) normal. Although REE was well correlated with estimated BMR (r = 0.82, P < 0.0001), estimated BMR was not consistently an adequate predictor of REE. BMR over- or under-estimated REE by more than 10 kcal/kg/d in 15/28 (54%) patients. REE was not significantly correlated with severity of liver disease, nutritional status, total energy intake or gestational age.
Conclusions
Energy expenditure is variable among children with IF and IFALD, with nearly 80% of our cohort exhibiting either hypo- or hypermetabolism. Standard estimation equations frequently do not correctly predict individual REE. Longitudinal studies of energy expenditure and body composition may be needed to guide provision of nutrition regimens.