Dataset Information

Estimating daily energy expenditure in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience progressive limb weakness, muscle atrophy, and dysphagia, making them vulnerable to insufficient energy intake. Methods to estimate energy requirements have not been devised for this patient group.

Objective

The goal was to develop equations to estimate energy requirements of ALS patients.

Design

We enrolled 80 ALS participants at varying stages of their illness and studied them every 16 wk over 48 wk. At each time, we determined total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in the home setting over a 10-d period by using the doubly labeled water method. We then developed statistical models to estimate TDEE by using factors easily obtained during a routine clinical visit.