2006 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
EFFECTS OF AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ON RESTING ENERGY EXPENDITURE IN NON-BURN HEALTHY CHILDREN
Ronald
P. Mlcak, PhD, RRT, FAARC, Oscar E. Suman, PhD, Marc G Jeschke, PhD, MD, David N. Herndon, MD.
Shriners Hospital for Children, Galveston Burn Hospital and The University of
Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
Introduction:
Thermal injury typically elicits a hypermetabolic response characterized by
increased energy expenditure and muscle protein catabolism. The magnitude of
this response has been reported to be influenced by ambient temperature. The
purpose of this study was to determine the effects of temperature variations on
resting energy expenditure (REE) in a group of non-burn healthy children.
Methods:
Thirteen children were recruited and enrolled in a prospective study. All
children were studied in a fasted state and at two ambient temperatures, 23
degrees and 28 degrees centigrade (C). The children were allowed to equilibrate
to the ambient temperature changes prior to metabolic testing. REE was measured
by indirect calorimetry and compared to predicted values according to the
Harris-Benedict equation. Study variables included measured REE (MREE), % of
predicted REE and oxygen consumption (VO2). Data are presented as mean ± SD. A
p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.
Results:
The mean age of the children was 13±2 years. The mean height and weight was
166±10 cm and 64±19 kg, respectfully. The MREE was 1489 kcal/day (range
997-2156) at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees C vs 1446 kcal/day (range
838-2119) at 28 degrees C, (p=0.72). The mean % of predicted REE was 91% (range
72-110) at 23 degrees C vs 88% (range 61-108) at 28 degrees C, (p=0.55). The
mean VO2 was 209 (range 145-304) at 23 degrees C vs 208 (range 131-309) at 28
degrees C, (p=0.91).
Conclusion:
In non-burn healthy children exposed to ambient temperatures of 23 degrees and
28 degrees C, there is no significant effect on MREE, % of predicted REE or
VO2.