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Evaluation of three paediatric weight estimation methods in S ingapore
Author(s) -
Loo Pei Ying,
Chong ShuLing,
Lek Ngee,
Bautista Dianne,
Ng Kee Chong
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12141
Subject(s) - medicine , limits of agreement , weight estimation , mean difference , body weight , significant difference , nuclear medicine , statistics , zoology , confidence interval , mathematics , biology
Aim Rapid paediatric weight estimation methods in the emergency setting have not been evaluated for S outh E ast A sian children. This study aims to assess the accuracy and precision of three such methods in S ingapore children: B roselow‐ L uten ( BL ) tape, A dvanced P aediatric L ife S upport ( APLS ) (estimated weight (kg) = 2 (age + 4)) and L uscombe (estimated weight (kg) = 3 (age) + 7) formulae. Methods We recruited 875 patients aged 1–10 years in a P aediatric E mergency D epartment in S ingapore over a 2‐month period. For each patient, true weight and height were determined. True height was cross‐referenced to the BL tape markings and used to derive estimated weight ( virtual BL tape method), while patient's round‐down age (in years) was used to derive estimated weights using APLS and L uscombe formulae, respectively. The percentage difference between the true and estimated weights was calculated. For each method, the bias and extent of agreement were quantified using B land– A ltman method (mean percentage difference ( MPD ) and 95% limits of agreement ( LOA )). The proportion of weight estimates within 10% of true weight ( p 10 ) was determined. Results The BL tape method marginally underestimated weights ( MPD +0.6%; 95% LOA −26.8% to +28.1%; p 10 58.9%). The APLS formula underestimated weights ( MPD +7.6%; 95% LOA −26.5% to +41.7%; p 10 45.7%). The L uscombe formula overestimated weights ( MPD −7.4%; 95% LOA −51.0% to +36.2%; p 10 37.7%). Conclusions Of the three methods we evaluated, the BL tape method provided the most accurate and precise weight estimation for S ingapore children. The APLS and L uscombe formulae underestimated and overestimated the children's weights, respectively, and were considerably less precise.