Metabolism in acute cerebrovascular disease

Oxygen consumption (VO2), CO2 production, respiratory quotient, resting metabolic expenditure (RME), and urine catecholamine levels were measured in 52 patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. RME correlated positively with urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine excretion; its maximum value was 187% higher than expected for an uninjured resting person of equivalent age, sex, and size. VO2 correlated positively with the urinary catecholamine excretion. These facts imply that the sympathetic nervous system might directly influence VO2 and RME. Moreover, the hypermetabolic state should be taken into consideration when caring for patients with cerebrovascular disease, as malnutrition might cause weight loss and a decrease in immunity.