Accuracy of Resting Energy Expenditure Estimation Equations in Polio Survivors

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of 4 equations validated for the general population to determine resting energy expenditure (REE) in polio survivors. Design: A descriptive, ambispective, single-center observational cohort study of minimal risk care. Setting: Tertiary university care hospital. Participants: DATAPOL database of polio survivors followed up in a specialist department (N=298). Interventions: None. Main Outcomes Measures: REE measurement by indirect calorimetry and estimated REE using 4 equations and comparing the values with indi-rect calorimetry. Analysis of correlations between measured REE and weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) and indicators of severity of polio sequelae. Results: Of the 298 polio cases in the database between January 2014 and May 2017, 41 were included (19 men and 22 women). Mean & PLUSMN;SD BMI was 26.0 & PLUSMN;5.6 kg/m2 (56.1% below 25). Measured REE correlated significantly and positively with weight and weaker with BMI. Correlations between measured and estimated REE were strong (between 0.49 and 0.59); correlations were strongest for the simplified World Health Organiza-tion and the Harris and Benedict equations. However, the equations systematically overestimated REE by more than 20%, especially in men. We calculated a correction factor for the World Health Organization scale:-340.3 kcal/d for women and-618.8 kcal/d for men. Conclusion: Analysis of REE is important for polio survivors; The use of estimation equations could lead to the prescription of a nonadapted diet. We determined a correction factor that should be validated in prospective studies. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2023;104:418-24 & COPY; 2022 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of 4 equations validated for the general population to determine resting energy expenditure (REE) in polio survivors. The equations systematically overestimated REE by more than 20%, especially in men, highlighting the need for a correction factor.