Introduction: In this study, we assessed whether changes in oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) and other metabolic parameters could be used as an early warning system for detecting clinical deterioration in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of adult patients requiring mechanical ventilation between February 2016 and March 2019. We looked for changes in VO 2 , carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ), respiratory quotient (RQ), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO 2 ), occurring prior to clinical deterioration. Clinical deterioration was predefined as a requirement of vasopressor, an increase in serum lactate by 20% where at least one value was above 3 mmol/L, or a decrease in hemoglobin by 20% in the 4 hours prior to clinical deterioration. Results A total of 141 patients were included. There were no detectable changes in VO 2 , VCO 2 , and EtCO 2 within the 4 hours prior to any clinical deterioration. RQ increased significantly within the 4 hours prior to an increase in lactate as compared with no increase in lactate, but there were no detectable changes prior to other clinical deteriorations. Conclusions RQ has the potential to be an early marker of tissue hypoperfusion or mitochondrial dysfunction. However, future studies are necessary to evaluate the use of RQ as a bedside monitor in critical care settings.
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