Energy Expenditure in the Acutely Ill Patient

The most basic requirement for sustaining life is energy. The human energy surplus in obesity is a major public health problem of the affluent countries, while the energy shortage of starvation threatens many of the underdeveloped countries. Paradoxically, the most frequent and severe form of protein-calorie malnutrition, which is seen in technologically advanced countries, is found in the acutely ill patients who require hospitalization for their care. The nutritional deficits associated with the medical care of such patients involve not only reduced intake, but also the increased requirements related to their disease or injury. No other segment of clinical nutrition has been associated with less concern for achieving daily balance than in the need for energy.