Achievement of steady state optimizes results when performing indirect calorimetry.

Background: The use of steady state as the endpoint for performance of indirect calorimetry (IC) is controversial. We designed this prospective study to evaluate the necessity and significance of achieving steady state.

Methods: Patients with respiratory failure placed on mechanical ventilation in a short- or long-term acute care unit at any 1 of 3 university-based urban hospitals were eligible for the study.