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Two methods for estimating body surface area in adult amputees
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|December 1, 1984
Summary
New methods estimate body surface area (BSA) in amputees for accurate drug dosing and burn therapy. These BSA estimation techniques offer improved clinical applications for amputee patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Accurate estimation of body surface area (BSA) is crucial for clinical applications like drug dosage and burn management.
- Existing methods for BSA calculation may not be accurate for amputee patients due to altered body composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate two novel methods for estimating BSA in adult amputees.
- To compare the accuracy of these new methods against the traditional "Rule of Nines" for amputee populations.
Main Methods:
- Geometric measurements (BSAmeas) and height-weight equations (BSAcalc) were used to determine BSA in non-amputees.
- Linear regression analysis correlated BSAmeas, BSAcalc, and surface area of individual body parts (SApart).
- Equations were derived to calculate SApart without direct measurement, and these were used to propose BSA estimation methods for amputees.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between BSAmeas and BSAcalc, and between SApart and BSAmeas.
- The "Rule of Nines" showed a mean deviation of 12.4-32% compared to calculated SApart percentages.
- Two regression-based methods for estimating BSA in amputees were proposed.
Conclusions:
- The developed BSA estimation methods for amputees may improve drug dosage calculations and burn therapy.
- These methods offer a more accurate alternative to the "Rule of Nines" for amputee patients.
- Further clinical validation is recommended to confirm the utility of these BSA estimation techniques.