Comparison of Actual and Estimated Body Weight Using Mid Upper Arm Circumference, Broselow Tape and Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS) Formula Among Children Age 1 to 12 Years Old

Abstract

Background: Medications and fluids used among pediatric patients are computed based on weight. The Broselow tape and the Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS) formula are currently being used to predict the actual weight, however, studies have shown that when used on patients of different ethnicity and varying body mass index (BMI), it over/underestimates the weight. Studies done among Chinese and Indian children as well as elderly patients made use of a formula using Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC): (MUAC-10) × 3 to predict weight. As of this time, there is no published literature on methods for approximating weight among Filipino children. Objectives: This study aims to determine which of the methods can be used among Filipino children aged 1 to12 years old to predict the weight. Methodology: Patients seen at University of Santo Tomas Outpatient Department were weighed using a mechanical beam scale, length determined using Broselow Tape and the MUAC using a standard tape measure and recorded. Results: Three hundred sixty participants were included and grouped according to sex, age and BMI. The results showed that the three methods had a positive correlation and were comparable to the actual weight. Of the three methods tested, MUAC had the strongest independent relationship, and seen to be more accurate and precise compared to Broselow and APLS formula. Conclusions: Any of previously mentioned methods may be used among Filipino children age 1 to 12 years old, with the MUAC formula being the most accurate and precise in estimating weight. Another advantage of using the MUAC formula is its reproducibility, since the material used for measurement is readily available and that it is easy to do.