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Paediatric IBW Formula:
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Paediatric Ideal Body Weight (IBW) is an estimate of the optimal weight for children based on their height. It's particularly useful for medication dosing and nutritional assessment in paediatric populations.
The calculator uses the paediatric IBW formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula provides an estimate of ideal body weight specifically designed for paediatric patients, accounting for their different body proportions compared to adults.
Details: Accurate IBW estimation is crucial for proper medication dosing, nutritional assessment, and growth monitoring in paediatric patients. Many drugs are dosed based on ideal body weight rather than actual weight.
Tips: Enter the child's height in centimeters. The value must be valid (height > 0). The calculator will provide the estimated ideal body weight in kilograms.
Q1: What age range is this formula appropriate for?
A: This formula is typically used for children aged 1-18 years, though clinical judgment should always be applied.
Q2: How does paediatric IBW differ from adult IBW calculations?
A: Paediatric formulas account for different body proportions and growth patterns, using height-squared relationships rather than linear height adjustments.
Q3: When should actual weight vs ideal weight be used for dosing?
A: It depends on the medication. Some drugs are dosed on actual weight, some on ideal weight, and some use adjusted body weight for obese patients.
Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: This is an estimation tool and may not be accurate for children with unusual body proportions, edema, amputations, or certain medical conditions.
Q5: How often should IBW be recalculated for growing children?
A: For medication dosing, IBW should be recalculated with each significant change in height, typically every 3-6 months for rapidly growing children.