Weight estimation in paediatric resuscitation: A hefty issue in New Zealand

Emerg Med Australas. 2015 Jun;27(3):251-6. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.12389. Epub 2015 Apr 6.

Abstract

Objective: To test the accuracy of weight estimation methods currently used in New Zealand to predict a child's weight in emergency resuscitation.

Methods: A prospective, observational study. Data were collected in July 2013 at five Auckland schools among children aged 5-10 years. Collected demographic information included age, ethnicity, sex and school decile. Standardised measures included weight, height and Broselow-Luten tape (2011 version, limited to children 43-143 cm) weight. Age-based weight estimates were calculated for APLS, Shann and Theron formulae. Mean bias (actual weight - estimated weight) and clinical accuracy (proportion of estimates within 10% of actual weight) are reported. Bland-Altman plots illustrate agreement and 95% limits of agreement.

Results: The 376 participants weighed between 14.2 and 93.1 kg. The proportion of weight estimates within 10% of actual weight were 28.7%, 39.1% and 45.7% for the age-based formula (Theron, APLS and Shann, respectively). The mean bias was negative for Theron (-6.5) and positive for APLS (7.8) and Shann (7.7). For the length-based Broselow-Luten tape method (n = 305), the proportion of weight estimates within 10% of actual weight was 73.4% and mean bias was 1.1.

Conclusion: For children under 143 cm in height, the Broselow-Luten tape outperforms other weight estimation methods, accurately estimating weight in approximately three out of four children. The age-based estimation methods performed poorly overall, with variation by age and ethnicity.

Keywords: New Zealand; anthropometry; bodyweight; child; resuscitation.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anthropometry / methods*
  • Body Weight*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emergency Treatment / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • New Zealand
  • Pediatrics / methods*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regression Analysis
  • Resuscitation / methods*