Nonprotein caloric requirements for patients with pancreatic abscess as measured by indirect calorimetry

Few data exist regarding nutritional assessment during pancreatic abscess. We compared nonprotein caloric requirements calculated by Harris-Benedict equation and measured by indirect calorimetry in patients with pancreatic abscess. Seven patients with pancreatitis and pancreatic abscess had determinations of resting energy expenditure via Medicor metabolic cart with 20% added for activity. Caloric requirements were also estimated using the Harris-Benedict equation with stress factors. Determinations from indirect calorimetry ranged from 22.4-46.8 (mean 36.1) kcal/kg/d. Harris-Benedict calculations with stress factor 1.7 differed from indirect calorimetry by at least 15% in seven of ten determinations. Stress factor 1.9 results overestimated indirect calorimetry by over 25% in four of ten determinations. Energy requirements via indirect calorimetry of some patients with pancreatic abscess cover a wide range and do not correlate with Harris-Benedict calculations. Harris-Benedict equation with a stress factor of 1.9 may estimate adequate nonprotein calories for hyperalimentation, but there is risk of overfeeding.