Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to compare indirect calorimetry and Harris-Benedict (H-B) formulain measuring resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with decompensated hepatitis B-induced liver cirrhosis (DHBC), and to provide reference for nutritional intervention and health management of DHBC patients. Methods 112 patients with DHBC were admitted to our hospital between June 2020 and June 2023,and their REE was measured by indirect calorimetry or calculated by Harris-Benedict formula. All patients were followed-up for one year. Body fat, visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat area, body fat rate, fat-free weight and basal metabolic rate were obtained. Results REE of 112 patients with DHBC detected by indirect calorimetry and H-B formula were (1753.1±150.8)kcal/d/d and (1476.1±141.7)kcal/d/d, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); there were significant differences in REE obtained by the two methods in different gender, ages and body mass index(P<0.05); the REE in different body fat, visceral fat areas, subcutaneous fat areas, body fat rates, fat-removed body weights and basal metabolic rates measured by indirect calorimetry were significantly higher than those by H-B formula calculation(P<0.05); there were no significant differences as respect to REE in different total water volume, intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid subgroups (P>0.05); by end of one-year follow-up, 21 patients (18.8%) with DHBC dies, and body fat, visceral fat areas, body fat rates and basal metabolic rates markedly influenced outcomes of the patients with DHBC(P<0.05). Conclusion Indirect calorimetry is more accurate in measuring REE in patients with DHBC, and the results calculated by H-B formula could be underestimated. When using indirect calorimetry to determine REE, it is necessary to consider the impact of different individual body composition indexes on the results, including body fat, visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat area, body fat rate, fat-free weight and basal metabolic rate. At the same time, the patients with DHBC with high body fat, large visceral fat area, high body fat rate and high basal metabolic rate might have a poor prognosis and needs careful management.

Key words: Liver cirrhosis, Resting energy expenditure, Indirect calorimetry, Harris-Benedict formula, Prognosis