Metabolic studies in chest trauma.

By means of a volumetric respirometer, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured in 15 patients with chest trauma who required mechanical ventilation. From the primary measurements, respiratory quotient, daily energy balance, and cumulative energy balance were calculated. There was a moderate increase in metabolic rate, which generally returned to normal during the first week after trauma. A late increase in oxygen consumption was associated with sepsis, large energy deficit, and death in three patients. Carbon dioxide overload caused by excessive feeding caused difficulty in weaning three patients from the ventilator. Measurement of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production is helpful in the management of patients with chest trauma and respiratory failure.