Energy expenditure in acute pancreatitis evaluated by the Harris–Benedict equation compared with indirect calorimetry

Summary Objectives Enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended for severe acute pancreatitis (AP) and for biliary AP if cholecystectomy is delayed. Energy expenditure (EE) is calculated using the Harris–Benedict equation (HBE), but indirect calorimetry (IC) can also be employed. We wished to compare EE evaluated by the HBE equation, modified HBE (mHBE) and IC at study inclusion and 1 month after AP resolution. Methods We undertook a single-center prospective study in Paris, France. Results Among 35 patients, 19 had biliary AP and 11 alcoholic-related AP. Eleven cases had severe AP. There was no significant difference between EE calculated by the HBE and that using IC at study inclusion. However, the EE calculated by the mHBE was significantly higher than that calculated using IC. For severe AP, the HBE underestimated EE whereas the mHBE overestimated it. No difference was found based on the cause of AP. There was no difference between methods for EE at 30 days. Conclusions The HBE underestimated EE for severe AP, whereas the mHBE overestimated it. IC seems to be the best means of EE evaluation for AP.