1. What is the Pediatric Rule of Nines?

Definition: The Rule of Nines is a method to estimate the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns in children.

Purpose: It helps medical professionals quickly assess burn severity and guide fluid resuscitation and treatment decisions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator sums the percentages of burned areas according to the pediatric Rule of Nines:

Note: These percentages differ from adult calculations because children have proportionally larger heads and smaller legs.

3. Importance of Accurate Burn Assessment

Details: Accurate TBSA calculation is critical for:

• Determining fluid resuscitation needs
• Assessing burn severity
• Guiding treatment decisions
• Predicting prognosis

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter the percentage burned for each body region. The calculator will sum all values to provide the total burn surface area percentage.

Tips: For partial burns to a region, estimate the percentage of that specific region affected (e.g., 4.5% for half of an arm).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the pediatric Rule of Nines different?
A: Children have different body proportions than adults (larger heads relative to body size).

Q2: At what age should I switch to adult calculations?
A: Typically around age 14-15, or when the child's body proportions approximate adult proportions.

Q3: What about burns to the palms?
A: For small burns, the patient's palm (including fingers) represents about 1% of TBSA.

Q4: How accurate is this method?
A: It provides a quick estimate. For more precise measurements, use Lund-Browder charts.

Q5: What TBSA percentage is considered severe?
A: Generally, >10% TBSA in children requires hospital admission, >20% is major burns.