Resting Oxygen Consumption Estimates in Scleroderma Can Lead to Underestimation of Cardiac Output

Abstract

Accurate resting oxygen consumption (rVO2) quantification is critical for Fick-derived cardiac output calculations. Yet, clinical practice predominantly uses empirical estimations, which can be inaccurate. We evaluated the established rVO₂ prediction equations against direct metabolic cart measurements in systemic sclerosis patients, revealing significant discordances with potential diagnostic implications.