A comparison of actual versus estimated weights among Filipino children using the original and updated Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) Formulae, Mercy Method and Broselow Tape: A prospective study

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Introduction.</strong> In resuscitating children, actual weight should be obtained before intervention. However, this is not always possible in the emergency setting. Identifying a simple, accurate, and precise method of weight estimation is essential in the delivery of optimal care for Filipino children seen at the emergency department.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Objectives.</strong> To evaluate and compare the accuracy and precision of different weight estimation methods in Filipino children.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Methods.</strong> A cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted among patients aged >28 days-12 years seen at the Philippine General Hospital Emergency Room. The traditional and updated Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS), Broselow tape, and Mercy Method were used for weight estimation. Bland Altman analysis was performed to see the mean difference and limits of agreement between actual and estimated weights of the children.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Results.</strong> Broselow tape gave the closest average weight estimate, overestimating it by 0.7 kg, followed by Mercy method at 0.955 kg higher than actual. Traditional APLS yielded 1.565 kg and the Updated APLS 3.299 kg. Mercy Method had the narrowest limit of agreement.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Among the four weight estimation methods, Broselow tape is the most accurate while the Mercy method is the most precise. Traditional APLS performed better than the updated APLS. Length-based methods and anthropometric surrogates proved to be more reliable than age-based formulae.</p>