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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Accuracy of weight estimation methods for children.
Dale DuBois1, Steven Baldwin, William D King
1Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. ddubois1@creighton.edu
Pediatric Emergency Care
|April 18, 2007
Summary
The Broselow-Luten tape and devised weight estimation method (DWEM) both correlate with measured pediatric weights. However, both methods tend to underestimate patient weight, particularly in heavier children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Assessment
- Biometrics
Background:
- Accurate weight estimation is crucial for pediatric emergency care.
- Existing methods like the Broselow-Luten tape have limitations.
- Novel methods are needed to improve weight estimation accuracy in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of the Broselow-Luten tape and the devised weight estimation method (DWEM) against measured weights in children.
- To evaluate weight estimation accuracy across different pediatric weight classes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from 400 children across four weight classes (≤10 kg, 10.1-20 kg, 20.1-36 kg, >36 kg).
- Weight estimations using the Broselow-Luten tape (height-based) and DWEM (height and body habitus-based).
- Comparison with measured weights using Pearson correlation and calculation of mean percentage errors.
Main Results:
- Both Broselow-Luten tape and DWEM showed statistical correlation with measured weights.
- The Broselow-Luten tape consistently underestimated weight across all classes (negative mean percentage error).
- The DWEM also underestimated weight in weight classes greater than 20 kg.
Conclusions:
- Both weight estimation methods demonstrate statistical correlation with actual pediatric weights.
- The Broselow-Luten tape exhibits underestimation across all weight categories.
- The DWEM shows underestimation in children weighing over 20 kg, indicating potential inaccuracies in higher weight classes.
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