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Introduction: The estimation of the caloric requirements of the burn patient is based on the measurement of his resting energy expenditure (REE) via indirect calorimetry, which is not available in all Burn Units, or its estimation by means of predictive equations., Goals: we analyze the history and state of art of the use of REE predictive equations in burn patients, and determine their validity., Methods: bibliographic review of the studies and reviews written in English and Spanish between 1989 and 2013., Results: More than 190 equations have been designed to estimate energy expenditure. These equations can be imprecise because they are based on measurements with a heterogeneous methodology and in heterogeneous groups. We describe the different parameters that are used in the different equations (stress and activity factors, total burn surface area, post-burn day, lean body mass), the influence of age in the calculation of the caloric requirements, and the most commonly used equations nowadays. We also describe the articles that evaluate the accuracy of the predictive equations when compared to REE indirect calorimetry measurements., Conclusions: Predictive equations are not precise in general in the burn patient. Until more accurate predictive equations are developed, we recommend calculation of the nutritional requirements in burn patients based on the energy expenditure measurement via indirect calorimetry., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

There are different methods described until now for immediate breast reconstruction. Despite the use of autologous flaps considered by many authors, implants are considered as an option by others. A prospective study of 102 clinical cases was designed, including a 1-year follow-up in which glands were reconstructed by immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with direct, extra projection, anatomic prostheses located in a submuscular pocket after a skin-sparing mastectomy. The prosthesis coverage was made by the muscle in its upper two thirds and by using the skin from the mastectomy in its lower third. The cosmetic results obtained were evaluated according to the volume, form, and symmetry achieved using a linear numeric analogical score. This evaluation had an averaged value of 2.79 +/- 0.8 in our scale from poor (0) to excellent result (4). The overall rate of complications was 15.7% of the cases, with seroma being the most frequent. In conclusion, this preliminary study demonstrates that immediate breast reconstruction with a direct, extra projection, anatomic prosthesis is a good alternative. Nevertheless, more long-term studies with a higher number of patients and using an SF-36 for patient satisfaction are needed to confirm these results.