Applications of indirect calorimetry

Indirect calorimetry should be considered a useful and practical adjunctive technology that can assist in the assessment and management of critically ill patients. Examples of applications of indirect calorimetry include nutritional assessments of metabolic status, evaluation of the oxygen cost of breathing during mechanical ventilatory support, and measurement of oxygen transport for the purpose of evaluating patient tolerance of therapies and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Multidisciplinary teamwork can make use of this technology to develop greater understanding of the metabolic needs of critically ill patients and to test interventions that advance evidence-based clinical practice in the care of these vulnerable patients.