Both hypocaloric feeding with a negative energy balance and hypercaloric feeding with a positive energy balance are associated with an increase in complications, such as infections and impaired wound healing at the intensive care unit (ICU). Although there are indications that hypocaloric feeding at the ICU would be better, most studies indicate that the physical outcome would improve when the target energy- and protein intake is met. Currently used equations for estimating energy expenditure, can yield an overestimation of up to 50%. For this reason, in the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, of patients admitted tot the ICU for three days or more, energy expenditure is measured by indirect calorimetry.
The aim of the study is to develop an equation for calculating energy expenditure of the oncological ICU-patient.