A formula for determining the standard liver volume in children: a special reference for neonates and infants

Pediatr Transplant. 2012 May;16(3):244-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2011.01624.x. Epub 2011 Dec 12.

Abstract

Accurately evaluating the ratio of GV to the SLV (GV/SLV) is important in successful pediatric liver transplantation. However, the formula used to calculate the SLV of children, including neonates and infants, has not yet been established. The aim of the current study was to estimate the SLV of children, including neonates, and to establish an accurate formula. The LV of 100 children (including 7 neonates and 15 infants) were measured using thin slice (3-5 mm) helical CT images. Their BSA was calculated from height and weight. A new formula to estimate the SLV was established as follows: SLV (mL) =689.9 × BSA (m(2)) -24.7. The SLV of children was significantly lower than that in previous reports (p < 0.001). A formula for calculating the SLV of children including neonates was established. This new formula will be useful in pediatric liver transplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Surface Area
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Liver / anatomy & histology
  • Liver / physiology*
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Organ Size
  • Pediatrics / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*