Metabolic computing

Abstract

In patients unable to take enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition is a valuable method of treatment and prevention of problems of starving. However, parenteral nutrition is not without problems. Feeding, with high glucose loads particularly, leads to a large rise in carbon dioxide production, which can cause respiratory distress and difficulty in weaning patients from ventilation. Patients with a diminished response to hypercapnia may exhibit carbon dioxide retention. A new and simple metabolic computer has been produced by Engström for use with their Erica ventilator. The metabolic computer utilises the principles of indirect calorimetry. It measures oxygen consumption and by using a pre-programmed value for respiratory quotient, calculates energy expenditure. When used with an external carbon dioxide analyser it calculates carbon dioxide production and thus respiratory quotient directly.