Comparison of resting energy expenditure in bronchopulmonary dysplasia to predicted equation

Objective: Children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) often suffer from growth failure because of disturbances in energy balance with an increase of resting energy expenditure (REE). Evaluation of REE is a useful tool for nutritional management. Indirect calorimetry is an elective method for measuring REE, but it is time consuming and requires rigorous procedure. The objective of this study was to test accuracy of prediction equation to evaluate REE in BPD children. Patients and methods: Fifty-two children aged 4-10 years with BPD (30 boys and 22 girls) and 30 healthy lean children (20 boys and 10 girls) were enrolled. In this study, indirect calorimetry was compared to four prediction equations (Schoffield-W, Schoffield-HW, Harris-Benedict and Food and Agriculture Organization equation) using Bland-Altman pair wise comparison. Results: The Harris-Benedict equation was the best equation to predict REE in children with BPD, and Schoffield-W was the best in healthy children. For the children with chronic lung disease of prematurity the Harris-Benedict equation showed the lowest mean predicted REE-REE measured by indirect calorimetry difference (difference=15 kcal/day; limits of agreement -266 and 236 kcal/day; 95% confidence interval for the bias -207 to 177 kcal/day), and graphically, the best agreement. For the group of healthy children, it was the Schofield-W equation (-2.9 kcal/day; limits of agreement -275 and 269 kcal/day; 95% confidence interval for the bias -171 to 165 kcal/day), and graphically, the best agreement. Conclusion: Differences in prediction equation are minimal compared to calorimetry. Prediction equation could be useful in the management of children with BPD.