Estimation of body surface area in neonates, infants, and children using body weight alone

Background

The aim of this study was to use Body Surface Area (BSA) data calculated with the Mosteller equation to test potential new equations that estimate BSA using Body Weight (BW) alone in children aged 0–18 years.

Mosteller’s equation, the golden standard at our hospital, was used to calculate the BSA in infants and children aged 0–18 years using BW and height data from 27,440 hospital visits by 20,635 patients over one year.

Methods

The best fit of three nonlinear regression equations (third-order polynomial, Meeh-type, and modified Boyd self-adjusting-type) to a plot of the calculated Mosteller BSA values versus BW was then investigated. The correlation between the BSA values estimated by these equations and the Mosteller BSA values was established by the Spearman rank correlation test. Bias and precision were evaluated as outlined by Sheiner and Beal. Measured and estimated BSA values were compared using the Eksborg plot.

Results

The estimated BSA values from all three equations and the BSA values from the Mosteller equation were closely correlated (P < .0001). The third-order polynomial and Meeh-type equations overestimated BSA by 0.13% and 0.40%, respectively, while the Boyd self-adjusted-type equation underestimated BSA by 0.060%. For the entire pediatric population, the best fit was obtained with the Meeh-type equation: 99.2% of the Meeh/Mosteller BSA ratios were within the range of 0.9–1.1 when compared with 98.3% and 97.2% for the polynomial and Boyd-type equations, respectively.

Conclusion

A single Meeh-type equation can be used to predict the results of Mosteller equation when H is not available with high precision and accuracy in children aged 0–18 years, including term neonates. We now plan to include the results of this study in CPOE systems in Sweden to improve drug dosage in all children.