Comparison of the Beacon and Quark indirect calorimetry devices to measure resting energy expenditure in ventilated ICU patients.

Introduction: Critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) should receive nutritional support matched to their metabolic needs as both under- and overfeeding energy has been shown to increase mortality. Critical illness can significantly affect metabolism. Consequently, resting energy expenditure (REE) can vary markedly during critical illness.