Validation of the V(max) metabolic cart in a simulated pediatric model

The ability to accurately measure resting energy expenditure (REE) using indirect calorimetry, often referred to as the "gold standard" in nutrition needs assessment, is important given the well-established positive correlation between patient outcome and proportion of the nutrition goal met. While many studies have been done to compare various metabolic carts with one another, the literature lacks a large simulator-based validation of any metabolic cart system.

In the present study, 8 specifically trained staff members independently conducted 10 simulation trials each using the V(max) Encore metabolic analyzer in conjunction with a metabolic calibration system, which simulates patient metabolic activity, to validate the accuracy of the V(max) Encore across a wide range of simulated metabolic conditions. Testing conditions consisted of incremental adjustments in calibrated gas infusion with a consistently set tidal volume and respiratory rate.

There was a strong, statistically significant correlation between the predicted and actual VO2 and VCO2 data (VO2, R (2) = 0.998; VCO2, R (2) = 0.997). In addition, we observed no significant difference between individuals performing these trials (VO2, P = 1.000, F = 0.021, df = 79; VCO2, P = 1.000, F = 0.030, df = 79).

This study is the first to report on such a wide spectrum of metabolic activity (50-2000 kcal REE) using a calibrated bench model and validates the accuracy, reproducibility, and use of the V(max) Encore metabolic cart.