The automated metabolic profile.

The automated metabolic profile provides the physician with a comprehensive review and graphic display of the patient's nutritional status, energy expenditure, substrate utilization, and nutritional requirements. A paramedical assistant performs all data acquisition, anthropometric and indirect calorimetric measurements. Data reduction is performed on a standard microcomputer system utilizing off-the-shelf peripherals. A standardized graphic sheet is used for the printout. The automated metabolic profile is utilized before initiation of nutritional therapy and subsequently to record the progress. Its use optimizes the clinical management of patients needing both ventilatory and nutritional support. By its use, total parenteral nutrition can be tailored to the requirements of the critically ill patient.