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be discarded because the values were 0 due to the inaccuracy of the device. Larger prospective
studies on the validation of Servo-I®-derived VCO
2
values in children weighing ≥15 kg are
needed.
However, our results show that in clinical practice, the measurement of VCO
2
values by the
Servo-I® is a promising option for the determination of energy requirements in children ≥15 kg
on mechanical ventilation.
CONCLUSION
Measuring VCO
2
by use of a ventilator (Servo-I®) is feasible. In children weighing ≥15 kg, VCO
2
measurements and derived REE predictions of the Servo-I® seem sufficiently accurate for use
in clinical practice, since their performance is superior to the performance of frequently used
predictive equations. This method is not suitable for the large proportion of children weighing
<15kg. In clinical practice VCO
2
measurements derived from the ventilator can be used to
calculate REE to guide nutritional therapy in children weighing ≥15kg.