Estimating nutritional needs in paediatric heart failure: beyond the equations.

Authors :: Lewis K
Khoury M
Cunningham C
Lavoie S
Conway J
Source :: Cardiology in the young [Cardiol Young] 2023 Jan; Vol. 33 (1), pp. 35-37. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Feb 09.
Publication Year :: 2023
Abstract: Background: Nutrition optimisation is imperative in paediatric patients with heart failure. Energy needs can be assessed using indirect calorimetry.<br />Methods: Presented are two cases of children with clinical heart failure who benefited from indirect calorimetry.<br />Results: Using indirect calorimetry, it was determined both cases were hypermetabolic.<br />Conclusion: These cases demonstrate the impact of heart failure on metabolic rate and growth. Energy requirements were up to two times higher than estimations from predictive equations.