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Development of equations and software for estimating weight in children with cerebral palsy
Maria de Las Mercedes Ruiz Brunner1,2, Maria Elisabeth Cieri1,2, Charlene Butler3
1Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INICSA-UNC-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.
Insights
Equations can estimate weight in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and age. A free software tool, Weight Calculator CP, aids clinical practice when direct weight measurement is difficult.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Accurate weight estimation is crucial for managing children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- Direct weight measurement can be challenging in individuals with CP due to motor impairments.
- Existing methods for weight estimation in CP may lack precision or accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate predictive equations for estimating weight in children and adolescents with CP.
- To create a user-friendly software tool for clinical application of these weight estimation equations.
- To assess the accuracy of weight estimation using segmental body measures and clinical variables.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 381 children and adolescents (2-19 years) with CP from Argentina.
- Collected data included weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), age, sex, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.
- Linear regression models were developed to predict weight using body segment lengths and other covariables.
Main Results:
- Developed predictive equations for weight estimation in children with CP.
- Achieved a high concordance correlation coefficient of 0.94 between estimated and observed weights.
- Created a free software tool, Weight Calculator CP, based on the derived equations.
- The average difference between estimated and observed weights was 119g.
Conclusions:
- Weight in children with CP can be reliably estimated using MUAC, GMFCS level, and age.
- The Weight Calculator CP software provides a practical solution for estimating weight when direct measurement is not feasible.
- These equations and the software tool can improve nutritional and clinical management of children with cerebral palsy.
Aim:
To develop equations and software to estimate weight using segmental measures for children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Method:
This was a cross-sectional study. Children and adolescents with CP of both sexes from 2 to 19 years old from five cities in Argentina were included. Weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and clinical covariables were collected. Linear regression models with weight as the dependent variable and body segment lengths as predictors were developed and compared for R2 , adjusted R2 , and the root mean square of the error.
Results:
In total, 381 children and adolescents (mean age 10y 5mo [SD 4y 9mo], range 2-19y; 231 males, 150 females) with a confirmed diagnosis of CP were included. Gross motor function based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was as follows: level I, 59; II, 55; III, 59; IV, 69; V, 139. The interaction between weight and other variables such as MUAC, sex, GMFCS, and age was analysed. The concordance correlation coefficient between estimated and observed weight was 0.94 (95% CI 0.93-0.95). From the results of the equations, a free software tool, named Weight Calculator CP, was developed.
Interpretation:
Weight in children with CP can be predicted using MUAC, GMFCS, and age. Weight Calculator CP can be used in clinical practice when direct weight cannot be obtained. What this paper adds Equations can be used to estimate weight in children with cerebral palsy via body segments. Weight can be estimated according to age and gross motor function. The average difference between estimated and observed weights was 119g.
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