1. What is the Holliday-Segar Formula?

The Holliday-Segar formula is a method for calculating daily maintenance fluid requirements in pediatric patients based on body weight. It accounts for the fact that fluid requirements per kilogram decrease as weight increases.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Holliday-Segar formula:

Where:

• First 10 kg: 100 mL/kg/day
• Next 10 kg (11-20 kg): 50 mL/kg/day
• Above 20 kg: 20 mL/kg/day

Explanation: The formula recognizes that smaller children have higher metabolic rates and proportionally greater fluid requirements per kilogram than larger children and adults.

3. Importance of Maintenance Fluids

Details: Accurate maintenance fluid calculation is essential for preventing dehydration while avoiding fluid overload, especially in hospitalized pediatric patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the patient's weight in kilograms. The calculator will provide the total daily maintenance fluid requirement and the hourly rate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should I use this formula?
A: For calculating maintenance fluids in pediatric patients who are NPO (nothing by mouth) or have restricted oral intake.

Q2: What fluids should be used?
A: Typically isotonic solutions like 0.9% NaCl with 5% dextrose and appropriate potassium supplementation.

Q3: Are there exceptions to this rule?
A: Yes, adjust for fever (add 12% per °C above 38°C), increased losses (diarrhea, vomiting), or special conditions like CHF or renal failure.

Q4: What about neonates?
A: Different calculations apply for neonates (first 28 days of life) who have different fluid requirements.

Q5: How accurate is this formula?
A: It provides a good estimate for most pediatric patients but should be adjusted based on clinical status and ongoing losses.