Emerging technologies in bedside monitoring. Ensuring the adequate nutrition of critically ill patients.

Abstract

This article examines the contribution of bedside calorimetry and nitrogen balance monitoring to the nutritional support of critically ill patients who are not served by the standard formulas. It describes the types of instruments available and discusses their usefulness in specific cases. The article closes with pointers on how a critical care metabolic service can be established and worked into a hospital's existing systems.