1351 MEASUREMENT OF BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA) IN PREMATURE INFANTS (PT)

Abstract

BSA is an important factor in caloric expenditure, fluid and drug management and assessment of GFR. Formulas designed for adults, children and infants have not been validated in PT. We performed 91 measurements of BSA in 70 PT of 3 gestational age (GA) groups (max I measurement per wk, per infant), using a geometric method (considering the body as a series of cylinders and the head as a sphere) that has been derived for older infants, children and adults (Haycock, et al., J. Ped. 93:62, 1978). We compared the geometria values to those obtained by 4 length-weight formulas based on BSA (m²)=a L^bW^c, where L is the body length (cm), W is the weight (kg) and a/b/c are respectively: for Haycock's: .024265/.3964/.5378, for Dubois1: .007184/.7258/.425 for Gehan's: .02350/.42246/.51456 and for Boyd's: .017827/.500/.4838. The mean differences (Geometric- a L^bW^c ± SE) between BSA obtained by geometric measurement and by each formula are shown:

The mean BSA obtained by Gehan's and Boyd's formulas overestimate the measured BSA by 7% or more, whereas the 2 other formulas give an error less than 3%. Therefore, Dubois' or Haycock's formula may be used in PT. Since Dubois' substantially overestimates BSA in larger infants and children, Haycock's formula is recommended for use in the general pediatric population, including PT and very low birth weight infants.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD