The authors discuss basic problems associated with assessment of the metabolic situation in critically ill children. Most recent and most objective information on the metabolic situation are the baseline for optimal intake of utilizable sources of energy. The supply of an optimal amount of utilizable energy sources is the crucial issue for the survival of sick children with protracted stress during emergency care. The optimal source of objective information on the metabolic situation of critically ill children is indirect calorimetry.

        Key words: critically ill children, metabolic situation, indirect calorimetry