1. What is Pediatric Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Definition: BSA is a calculated measurement of the total surface area of the human body, commonly used in medical practice for pediatric dosing of medications.

Purpose: It provides a more accurate metric than body weight alone for determining appropriate drug dosages and medical parameters in children.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Haycock formula:

Where:

• \( BSA \) — Body Surface Area (square meters)
• \( W \) — Weight (kilograms)
• \( H \) — Height (centimeters)

Explanation: The Haycock formula is one of several methods for calculating BSA, considered particularly accurate for pediatric patients.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA calculation is crucial for proper medication dosing, chemotherapy protocols, fluid resuscitation, and nutritional support in pediatric patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the patient's weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use BSA instead of weight for dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with metabolic processes and drug distribution than weight alone, especially in children.

Q2: How accurate is the Haycock formula?
A: The Haycock formula has been validated as highly accurate for pediatric patients across a wide range of ages and sizes.

Q3: When would I use a different BSA formula?
A: Some institutions prefer the Mosteller formula (√[W×H]/3600) or Boyd formula, though differences are typically minor.

Q4: What's the typical BSA range for children?
A: Newborns average 0.25 m², increasing to adult range (1.6-1.9 m²) by late adolescence.

Q5: Can I use this for adults?
A: While the Haycock formula works for adults, other formulas like Mosteller are more commonly used for adult patients.