Alterations in exogenous substrate metabolism in sepsis.

Metabolic rates and substrate utilization patterns were evaluated by using a rate cecal ligation and perforation model. Animals that survived for 48 hours after the induction of sepsis were hypermetabolic and responded appropriately to varying exogenous substrate infusions. In contrast, animals that did not survive to 48 hours were premorbidly hypometabolic and failed to adjust their oxidation patterns in response to the exogenous substrate supply. These findings suggest the benefit of individually tailoring the supply of exogenous nutrients in critically ill patients with sepsis and of frequent reassessment of metabolic parameters, including the resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient.