COMPARISON OF MEASURED SLEEPING METABOLIC-RATE AND PREDICTED BASAL METABOLIC-RATE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE

In infants, sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) is used as a proxy for basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR can be predicted from anthropometry using p ublished equations. Our study was intended to evaluate the ability of these equations to predict measured SMR in infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months. SMR was measured in a mixed longitudinal study using the Dougl as bag technique (n = 105). Measured SMR values were compared with BMR predicted from weight (BMR-1) or weight and length (BMR-2). These equ ations were not successful in predicting SMR in this age group. Percen tage error of predicted BMR was related to infant weight (BMR-1: r = 0 .26; p < 0.005; BMR-2 r = 0.18; p < 0.06). Alternative logarithmic equ ations were derived from this study (R = 0.84-0.87; SEE = 0.159-0.168) . We conclude that the new equations, relating to contemporary infants , are more suitable but actual measurements remain preferred.