Question

When used in assessment of critically ill children, how do predictive equations compare to indirect calorimetry?

1: No consistent comparison can be found
2: Equations typically overestimate needs
3: Equations typically underestimate needs
4: Equations correlate well with indirect calorimetry

Answer 1

Predictive equations generally overestimate energy needs compared to indirect calorimetry, which provides more individualized and accurate measurements of metabolism in critically ill children.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing the energy needs of critically ill children, predictive equations are often compared to indirect calorimetry for accuracy. In practice, predictive equations tend to overestimate energy needs when compared to indirect calorimetry. Indirect calorimetry is deemed to be a more reliable method because it measures a person's metabolic rate based on the actual oxygen consumption which correlates closely to the amount of energy expended. In comparison to predictive equations that use generic formulas based on population averages or clinical characteristics, indirect calorimetry provides individual measurements that can be more appropriate for determining the unique, often intricate energy requirements of critically ill children.