Indirect Calorimetry Overestimates Oxygen Consumption in Young Children : Caution is Advised Using Direct Fick Method as a Reference Method in Cardiac Output Comparison Studies
Direct Fick method is considered a standard reference method for estimation of cardiac output. It relies on indirect calorimetry to measure oxygen consumption. This is important as only a minor measurement error in oxygen consumption can result in false estimation of cardiac output. A number of studies have shown that indirect calorimetry overestimates oxygen consumption in adults. The aim of this