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 size and surface area, with different exponents for weight and height.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is crucial in pediatrics for determining medication dosages, chemotherapy regimens, fluid requirements, and for normalizing various physiological measurements.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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 estimates for children than formulas like DuBois.

Q2: What are typical BSA values for children?
A: Newborns average about 0.2 m², increasing to about 1.0 m² by age 5 and reaching adult values (1.6-1.9 m²) in adolescence.

Q3: When should BSA be calculated?
A: BSA should be calculated whenever precise dosing is required, especially for chemotherapy, critical care medications, or when monitoring growth parameters.

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

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