Comparison of Broselow tape measurements versus mother estimations of pediatric weights

Abstract

Background Pediatric resuscitation is challenging for therapeutic group. The most physicians have limited experience in dealing with this situation. Appropriate dosing of the drugs depends on the body weight of the children that it is usually not feasible. There is need for a fast, convenient and reliable method for body weight estimation in children. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of Broselow tape in children of Bushehr city. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency department of Aliasghar hospital. Children were between 1 month and 14 years. Children with chronic disease, 334, ill children were excluded from study. Estimated weight measured based on Broselow tape and actual weight measured by digital scale, then estimated and actual weight were compared. The results were analyzed by SPSS Software Ver 18 and T-Test, Chi-Square Test. Results: findings showed that 43.2% of total subjects were female Mean of age were 43 months. 72.5% of tape body weights were within  10% error of actual body weights. 78.9% of tape body weight was within  15% error of actual body weights. There was no significant difference between boys and girls. Conclusion: Broslow tape was easy, fast and exact for body weight estimation in emergency situation .it is more exact of body weight estimation by parents or therapeutic group so it helps therapeutic group in emergency department for accounting of medication dosage and equipment sizes.

Keywords

• broselow tape
• weight
• emergency
• Iran