A comparison of actual to estimated weights in Australian children attending a tertiary children's’ hospital, using the original and updated APLS, Luscombe and Owens, Best Guess formulae and the Broselow tape

Abstract

For an age-based weight estimation, in infants less than one year the new APLS formula is the most accurate and over one year the Best Guess formulae should be used.

An assessment of the accuracy of a novel weight estimation device for children

“…In this study, the proportion of estimated weights that were within 10% of measured weights was approximately 75%. Other studies using the Broselow tape have reported proportions of estimated weights within 10% of actual weight of approximately 60%2 8 12 22 23 to 74%24 25 of measurements, and other existing formulas, such as the APLS and Luscombe formulas, result in accuracy proportions of 45%4 and 45%, respectively, in children 26. These findings indicate that our device outperformed other existing methods and devices in terms of accuracy.…”

“…There are some differences in anthropometric data according to race and nation. In multi-ethnic nations, the mean difference between the estimated weight and actual weight varies 8. In the present study, the mean difference for Asians/Indians was 3.91% compared with 11.6% among those of Maori descent.…”

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

“…Since Broselow was derived using the Western population, they are more likely to overestimate weight when applied to a population of a developing country like India [8]. Recent studies have shown that Broselow is only accurate to only 48.9% [6]. Aside from having inconsistencies among varying ethnicities and body compositions, the Broselow Tape has its limitations, one of which would be when a patient exceeds the length of the tape.…”

“…Several studies have showed that this method tends to underestimate the actual weight and the margin of error increases with age. Another limitation of this method is that it uses different formula depending on the patient's age [5,6]. Since body habitus is not a factor, there may be an overestimation o underestimation of estimated weight of children who are underweight, overweight or obese [9].…”

“…As with length based estimation tools, body habitus is also not considered [5][6][7]. This kind of estimating tool may have variable results on patients who are on extremes of nutritional status (undernourished or obese).…”