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Normal value of resting energy expenditure in healthy neonates

Wei Cai1, Lihua Yu, Changhong Lu

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai, China. aiw001@online.sh.cn

Insights

Resting energy expenditure (REE) in healthy neonates is influenced by birth weight, with higher birth weights correlating with lower REE. Predicted REE values are not suitable for clinical use in neonatal energy supplementation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Metabolic research

Background:

  • Accurate assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE) is crucial for neonatal nutritional support.
  • Existing predictive equations for REE may not accurately reflect actual energy needs in healthy neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the normal range of resting energy expenditure (REE) in healthy neonates.
  • To identify factors influencing REE, including birth weight, sex, and delivery method.

Main Methods:

  • Indirect calorimetry was used to measure REE in 180 healthy neonates.
  • The study analyzed the relationship between REE and birth weight, sex, and delivery method.

Main Results:

  • Birth weight significantly impacted REE, with a negative correlation observed (r = -0.289).
  • Neonates weighing over 4000 g had lower REE than those weighing 2500-4000 g.
  • Measured REE (48.3 +/- 6.1 kcal x kg(-1) x d(-1)) differed significantly from predicted values (54.1 +/- 1.1 kcal x kg(-1) x d(-1)).
  • Sex and delivery method did not affect REE.

Conclusions:

  • Predicted REE equations are inadequate for clinical neonatal energy supplementation.
  • The established normal REE for healthy neonates (2500-4000 g birth weight) is 48.3 +/- 6.1 kcal x kg(-1) x d(-1).
Abstract

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