G143(P) Is There a Case to Emphasise the Use of Luscombe Formula Instead of the Advanced Paediatric Life Support Course Formula For the Paediatric Weight Calculation?

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood Vol. 98; no. Suppl 1; p. A67
• Main Authors: Kaniti, A, Thalava, R, Puttha, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 01.06.2013; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Computation; Eating Disorders
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-304107.155
• ISSN: 0003-9888

Aim To validate Luscombe’s formula (LF) for paediatric weight calculation comparing with the measured weight and the calculated weight by the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) formula and applying it to various emergency treatment doses . Methodology The study was conducted by prospectively measuring the weight of all children attending our outpatient department, day unit and observation and assessment unit. The weight of children between the ages of 1 year to 10 years was included but any children with severe health problems and eating disorders were excluded from the study. The weights were calculated using both Luscombes weight formula and APLS formula and compared with the measured weight. Results Out of a total of 156 children, 102 were between the ages of 1 to 10 years. 9 of them were excluded in view of chronic health problems of significance and 93 children were included in the study. The mean measured weight in this group was 17.27 kgs while the mean of calculated weight by Luscombes formula was 18.89 kgs and by APLS formula was 15.9kgs, with the calculated means being within 10% deviation from the measured weight. The minimum measured weight was 8.45kgs and the maximum measured weight was 34.9 kgs. The minimum calculated weight by LF was 10kgs and the maximum was 34kgs, while the minimum calculated weight by APLS formula was 10kgs and the maximum was 28kgs all of which were within the normal distribution. If we apply all the three mean weights practically in resuscitation the dose of adrenaline (1.7ml, 1.9ml and 1.6 ml of 1 in 1000) and shock do not vary significantly, but there is variation in the dose of Intravenous fluid bolus 345ml, 378 ml and 314 ml and Intravenous ceftriaxone based on the means of the measured weight and calculated weights based on LF and APLS formula. Conclusion Both APLS formula and Luscombe formula provide guidance to calculate weight, in emergency to resuscitate the child with a difference of 7 to 10% from measured weight .