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.