Metabolic studies in head injury patients: a preliminary report

The caloric and nitrogen balances of 10 patients with head injury were studied. On the basis of caloric deficits, two groups of five patients each were identified. Both groups were similar except for the average daily caloric supply. Lower caloric deficits were associated with better neurologic outcomes. Large caloric deficits developed by the fourth or fifth day after injury when supplementation was inadequate.