Validation of predictive equations for resting energy expenditure in adult outpatients and inpatients.
OBJECTIVE
When individual energy requirements of adult patients cannot be measured by indirect calorimetry, they have to be predicted with an equation. The aim of this study was to analyze which resting energy expenditure (REE) predictive equation was the best alternative to indirect calorimetry in adult patients.


METHODS
Predictive equations were included when based on weight, height, gender and/or age. REE was measured with indirect calorimetry. The mean squared prediction error was used to evaluate how well the equations fitted the REE measurement.


RESULTS
Eighteen predictive equations were included. Indirect calorimetry data were available for 48 outpatients and 45 inpatients. Also a subgroup of 42 underweight patients (BMI<18.5) was analyzed. The mean squared prediction error was 233-426 kcal/d and the percentage of patients with acceptable prediction was 28-52% for adult patients depending on the equation used. The FAO/WHO/UNU (1985) equation including both weight and height had the smallest prediction error in adult patients (233 kcal/d), outpatients (182 kcal/d), inpatients (277 kcal/d) as well as underweight patients (219 kcal/d).


CONCLUSIONS
The REE of adult outpatients, inpatients and underweight patients can best be estimated with the FAO/WHO/UNU equation including weight and height, when indirect calorimetry is not available.
Weijs
Peter J M
PJ
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.weijs@vumc.nl
Kruizenga
Hinke M
HM
van Dijk
Aimee E
AE
van der Meij
Barbara S
BS
Langius
Jacqueline A E
JA
Knol
Dirk L
DL
Strack van Schijndel
Robert J M
RJ
van Bokhorst-de van der Schueren
Marian A E
MA
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect / Q000592:standards*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors