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Development and Validation of a Weight Estimation Tool for Acutely Ill Children Who Cannot be Weighed

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Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To develop and validate weight estimation tools using mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and body length, and determine accuracy and precision of Broselow tape in children 6 mo to 15 y of age.

Methods

Data of 18,456 children aged 6 mo to 5 y and 1420 children aged 5 to 15 y were used to develop linear regression equations using length and MUAC to estimate weight. These were validated on prospectively enrolled populations of 276 and 312 children, respectively. Accuracy was measured by Bland-Altman bias, median percentage errors, and percentage of predicted weight within 10% of true weight. Broselow tape was tested on the validation population.

Results

Gender specific equations were developed which estimated weight within 10% of true weight in 69.9% (64.1–75.2%) and 65.7% (60.1–70.9%) of children aged 6 mo to 5 y, and 5 to 15 y, respectively. Broselow tape predicted weight within 10% of the true weight in 40.5% (34.7–46.6%) and 32.5% (26.7–38.7%) of children aged 6 mo to 5 y and 5 to 15 y, respectively.

Conclusions

The model developed from MUAC and length accurately estimated weight in children aged 6 mo to 15 y, and is potentially useful during emergencies. The Broselow tape frequently overestimated weight in authors’ setting.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Satya Prakash, Dr. M. Aakash, Dr. Chinthana L. and Dr. Umang Bhardwaj (Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, New Delhi) for their valuable inputs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Kritika Setlur, Jhuma Sankar, Sushil K Kabra & Rakesh Lodha

  2. Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

    Umesh Kapil

  3. Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

    R M Pandey

Authors
  1. Kritika Setlur
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  2. Jhuma Sankar
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  3. Umesh Kapil
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  4. R M Pandey
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  5. Sushil K Kabra
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  6. Rakesh Lodha
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Contributions

KS and RL were involved in study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data and drafting of the manuscript; KS, RL and UK helped in acquisition of the data; RMP provided statistical expertise; SKK and JS were involved in critical revision of the manuscript. RL will act as guarantor for this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Rakesh Lodha.

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Setlur, K., Sankar, J., Kapil, U. et al. Development and Validation of a Weight Estimation Tool for Acutely Ill Children Who Cannot be Weighed. Indian J Pediatr 91, 344–350 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04600-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04600-1

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