1. What is the Haycock Formula?

The Haycock formula is one of several equations used to estimate body surface area (BSA) from weight and height. It's particularly useful in pediatric populations for medication dosing and clinical assessments.

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 provides an exponential relationship between weight, height and body surface area, accounting for the non-linear scaling of surface area with body size.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: BSA is used to calculate drug dosages (especially chemotherapy), fluid requirements, and to normalize various physiological measurements in pediatric patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. For accurate results, measurements should be as precise as possible.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Haycock instead of other BSA formulas?
A: The Haycock formula has been validated in pediatric populations and may provide more accurate estimates for children than some other formulas.

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 is BSA most important in pediatrics?
A: BSA is crucial for chemotherapy dosing, burn assessment, and when calculating cardiac indices or renal function parameters.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: All BSA formulas are estimates. Extreme body shapes or conditions like edema may affect accuracy.

Q5: Should this be used for premature infants?
A: For very small or premature infants, specialized formulas or direct measurement may be more appropriate.