Hypermetabolism is a reality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis compared to healthy subjects

• Published in: Journal of the neurological sciences Vol. 420; p. 117257
• Main Authors: Fayemendy, Philippe, Marin, Benoit, Labrunie, Anaïs, Boirie, Yves, Walrand, Stéphane, Achamrah, Najate, Coëffier, Moïse, Preux, Pierre-Marie, Lautrette, Géraldine, Desport, Jean-Claude, Couratier, Philippe, Jésus, Pierre
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.01.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Body Composition; Calorimetry, Indirect; Energy Metabolism; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Hypermetabolism; Life Sciences; Resting energy expenditure; Santé publique et épidémiologie; cREE; Resting energy expenditure; CI; FM; ALS; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Hypermetabolism; IQR; FFM; REE; TEE; mREE; IC; BMI; RQ
• ISSN: 0022-510X; 1878-5883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117257

Hypermetabolism (HM) in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the reflection of a high energy metabolic level, but this alteration seems controversial. The main objective of the study was to confirm the existence of HM during ALS compared to healthy subjects. A cohort of ALS patients was compared to a control group without metabolic disorder. The assessment included anthropometric criteria measurements, body composition by bioelectric impedance analysis and resting energy expenditure (REE) by indirect calorimetry. HM was defined as a variation > +10% between measured and calculated REE. Statistical analysis used Mann-Withney and Chi2 tests. Multivariate analysis included logistic regression. 287 patients and 75 controls were included. The metabolic level was higher in ALS patients (1500 kcal/24 h [1290–1693] vs. 1230 kcal/24 h [1000–1455], p < 0.0001) as well as the REE/fat free mass ratio (33.5 kcal/kg/24 h [30.4–37.8] vs. 28.3 kcal/kg/24 h [26.1–33.6], p < 0.0001). 55.0% of ALS patients had HM vs. 13.3% of controls (p < 0.0001). HM was strongly and positively associated with ALS (OR = 9.50 [4.49–20.10], p < 0.0001). HM in ALS is a reality, which affects more than half of the patients and is associated with ALS. This work confirms a very frequent metabolic deterioration during ALS. The identification of HM can allow a better adaptation of the patients' nutritional intake. •Resting energy expenditure is increased in ALS.•Hypemertabolim affects more than half of ALS patients.•Hypermetabolism is positively and strongly associated with ALS.•Metabolic assessment is important for ALS patient management.