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Body Composition Changes in the Critically III Patient: Emphasis on Water Balance
Author(s) -
Murray Rebecca L.,
Schaffel Neal A.,
Geiger John W.,
Long Calvin L.,
Blakemore William S.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/014860717900300403
Subject(s) - body water , water balance , critically ill , nitrogen balance , water electrolyte balance , balance (ability) , intensive care medicine , composition (language) , medicine , urine output , moisture , energy balance , parenteral nutrition , body weight , nitrogen , chemistry , ecology , physical therapy , biology , linguistics , philosophy , creatinine , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , engineering , sodium
The moisture contents of foods, fluids, and parenteral solutions taken in and of all samples excreted, the water of oxidation of fuel mixtures burned, and the evaporative water loss must be determined in order to obtain a quantitative picture of water balance. Because there is a tendency to retain water after trauma, surgery, or an acute illness, changes in the water compartment of the body may lead to changes in body weight that may be considered erroneously as changes in energy or protein stores. Measurement of water balance, in addition to calorie and nitrogen balance is one of the most accurate means of accounting for these changes in body composition. Fluid and electrolyte therapy and nutritional supplementation can be tailored to meet the patient's specific needs by utilizing this information. Application of these principles to the care of hospitalized patients outside of the research setting will be discussed.