Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculation in Pediatrics
BSA Calculator
User Guide - BSA Calculator
Overview
The BSA (Body Surface Area) Calculator is designed for medical professionals to calculate a patient’s body surface area (BSA) based on weight and height. It is used in drug dosing, fluid therapy, and pediatric anthropometry for growth and nutritional assessments.
How to Use
- Enter the patient's weight in kilograms (kg).
- Enter the patient's height in centimeters (cm).
- Click the “Calculate BSA” button.
- The calculated BSA value will be displayed in square meters (m²).
Formula Used
The calculator uses the Mosteller Formula:
BSA (m²) = √ [(Height in cm × Weight in kg) ÷ 3600]
This formula is widely accepted for estimating body surface area in both adults and children.
Clinical Applications
- Anthropometry: Used in pediatric growth and nutritional assessments.
- Drug Dosing: Helps in determining chemotherapy and other medication dosages.
- Fluid Management: Assists in adjusting IV fluid administration.
- Renal Function Tests: Used in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculations.
- Metabolic Studies: Assists in assessing energy expenditure.
Important Notes
- Ensure the values entered are accurate to obtain a reliable BSA calculation.
- This calculator is intended for medical professionals and should not replace clinical judgment.
- For pediatric patients, consider using age-specific BSA charts when needed.
Disclaimer
Note: This tool is for educational and clinical reference purposes only. It should not be used as a sole diagnostic or treatment decision-making tool. Always verify calculations manually and consult clinical guidelines.
Pediatric Body Surface Area (BSA) Reference Values
Normal BSA Values by Age
| Age | Average BSA (m²) | Normal Range (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Premature | 0.15 | 0.10 - 0.20 |
| Newborn | 0.25 | 0.20 - 0.30 |
| 3 months | 0.35 | 0.30 - 0.40 |
| 6 months | 0.40 | 0.35 - 0.45 |
| 12 months | 0.45 | 0.40 - 0.50 |
| 3 years | 0.62 | 0.55 - 0.70 |
| 5 years | 0.78 | 0.70 - 0.85 |
| 10 years | 1.14 | 1.00 - 1.30 |
| 15 years | 1.60 | 1.40 - 1.80 |
Clinical Interpretation
| Classification | Percentile | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Severely Low | < 3rd | May indicate growth failure, malnutrition, or underlying pathology |
| Moderately Low | 3rd - 10th | Requires monitoring and investigation of cause |
| Normal Range | 10th - 90th | Age-appropriate development |
| Moderately High | 90th - 97th | May indicate endocrine disorders or obesity |
| Severely High | > 97th | Requires evaluation for pathological growth disorders |
Important Notes
- BSA values should be interpreted in conjunction with other growth parameters (height, weight, BMI)
- Serial measurements are more informative than single measurements
- Consider ethnic and regional variations in normal values
- Use age- and sex-specific charts for more precise evaluation
Common Calculation Methods
- Mosteller formula: BSA (m²) = √(height(cm) × weight(kg)/3600)
- DuBois formula: BSA (m²) = 0.007184 × height(cm)^0.725 × weight(kg)^0.425
- Haycock formula: BSA (m²) = 0.024265 × height(cm)^0.3964 × weight(kg)^0.5378
Knowledge Check: Question and Answers for Medical Students & Professionals
This interactive quiz component covers essential viva questions and answers. It includes 30 high-yield viva questions with detailed answers.
Disclaimer
The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.
