Bedside calculation of body surface area for infants and children.

In 179 healthy boys and girls, the relationship between body surface area (S) in dm2 and body weight (bw) in kg was investigated. The body surface was calculated from the DuBois and DuBois formula. For infants below 20 kg, the relationship followed the regression equation S=3.6kg + 9; r=0.996. For infants with bw between 20-40 kg, the regression equation S=2.5.kg + 33; r=0.977 was found. These equations can easily be memorized and may be able to replace nomograms when bedside calculations of the S is required. In addition, formulas for the volume of plasma expander to be used in the prophylaxis and treatment of shock, trauma, and burn injuries are presented.