Metabolic Requirement of Septic Shock Patients Before and After Liberation From Mechanical Ventilation

Objectives: This study identified the difference in energy expenditure and substrate utilization of patients during and upon liberation from mechanical ventilation. Methods: Patients under intensive care who were diagnosed with septic shock and dependent on mechanical ventilation were recruited. Indirect calorimetry measurements were performed during and upon liberation from mechanical ventilation. Results: Thirty-five patients were recruited (20 men and 15 women; mean age, 69 ± 10 years). Measured energy expenditures during ventilation and upon liberation were 2090 ± 489 kcal·d−1 and 1910 ± 579 kcal·d−1, respectively (P < .05). Energy intake was provided at 1148 ± 495 kcal·d−1 and differed significantly from all measured energy expenditures (P < .05). Mean carbohydrate utilization was 0.19 ± 0.1 g·min−1 when patients were on mechanical ventilation compared with 0.15 ± 0.09 g·min−1 upon liberation (P < .05). Mean lipid oxidation was 0.08 ± 0.05 g·min−1 during and 0.09 ± 0.07 g·min−1 upon liberation from m...