A Comparative Study on the Results of Estimating Children’s Weights Based on Arm Circumference, Height, and Body Habitus against Estimated Weight Broselow on 2–24 Months Children in Isfahan

Resuscitation of children in different treatment wards is a challenge. Given that the pediatric drug dosing is based on weight and weighing is not practical in emergency situations, it is critical to employ a fast, easy, and reliable technique. Hence, this study attempted to evaluate the real weight children against Broselow estimation.

This cross-sectional study involved 1500 children of 2–24 months referred to Isfahan urban and rural health centers in 2015. Children’s estimated weights were measured based on the standard Broselow tape and real weights through a digital scale. The factors such as age, sex, height, arm circumference, head circumference, and living place of children were recorded. The collected data were analyzed through independent t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression using SPSS (version 20).

The weight difference of children through Broselow estimation was 0.019 kg, and the correlation coeffi cient was 0.893 (P > 0.05). The difference sorted by age ranges was signifi cant only in >12 months (P < 0.05). It was estimated at error of 10% to be 68.9% correctly. The mean weight estimation error was signifi cant sorted by weight, sex, habitus, and living place of children (P < 0.001).

Although Broselow tape has been proved to be accurate it led to a signifi cant error at different age ranges. Hence, the present study estimated the age, arm circumference, and height of Iranian children based on new formulas providing more successful tool through controlling the confounding factors in estimating the real weight.