1. What is the Haycock Formula?

The Haycock formula is a widely used equation for estimating body surface area (BSA) in pediatric patients. It provides a more accurate estimation for children than many adult BSA formulas.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Haycock formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( H \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( BSA \) — Body Surface Area in square meters (m²)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the non-linear relationship between body dimensions and surface area, providing accurate estimates for pediatric patients.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is crucial in pediatric medicine for determining appropriate drug dosages, chemotherapy regimens, fluid requirements, and for assessing growth and nutritional status.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Both values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For best accuracy, measurements should be recent.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Haycock instead of other BSA formulas?
A: The Haycock formula has been validated specifically for pediatric populations and provides more accurate results for children than adult formulas like Du Bois.

Q2: What are typical BSA values for children?
A: Newborns typically have BSA around 0.2-0.3 m², increasing with age. Average adult BSA is about 1.7-1.9 m².

Q3: When should BSA be measured?
A: BSA should be recalculated whenever there are significant changes in weight or height, or before each cycle of chemotherapy.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: The formula may be less accurate for extremely premature infants or children with abnormal body proportions (e.g., severe edema, amputations).

Q5: Can this be used for drug dosing?
A: Yes, many pediatric medications are dosed based on BSA, particularly in oncology and critical care settings.