Equation to estimate resting energy expenditure in adolescents with sickle cell anemia

BACKGROUND: Basal energy requirements are higher in adolescents with sickle cell anemia (SCA) than in healthy control subjects. However, no equation is available to accurately predict their energy needs. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to develop a clinically useful equation to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) in adolescents with SCA. DESIGN: REE and other components of total energy expenditure were measured in adolescents with SCA (n = 37) and in control subjects (n = 23) for 24 h in a whole-room indirect calorimeter. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to describe the relations of REE with independent variables such as sex, weight, height, fat-free mass, fat mass, age, and hemoglobin concentration in adolescents with SCA. The Bland-Altman comparison technique was used to compare values predicted by existing equations with measured REE values. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) measured REEs were 7746 +/- 974 and 6332 +/- 869 kJ/d in the male and female subjects with SCA, respectively, and these values were 16% higher than those in the healthy control subjects. Standard equations underestimated REE by 12% (P