Broselow tape or APLS formula to estimate weight in children

Report By: Katherine Potier - Specialist Registrar in Emergency Medicine
Search checked by Reddy Mahu - Specialist Registrar in Emergency Medicine
Institution: Wythenshawe Hospital
Date Submitted: 6th February 2003
Last Modified: 6th February 2006
Status: Blue (submitted but not checked)

Three Part Question

In [children undergoing resuscitation] is [the APLS age based formula more accurate than the Broselow tape] at [estimating a child's weight]?

Clinical Scenario

You are put on standby for a 22 month child who has been hit by a car. As you are preparing for his arrival you wonder whether the APLS age based formula will be more accurate at estimating his weight than the Broselow tape, as direct weighing may not be possible.

Search Strategy

Search Strategy Medline 1966-01/05 using the Ovid interface.
[(exp body weight/ and estimat$.mp) OR (weight estimation.mp.)] AND [(broselow.mp.) OR (APLS or (advanced adj pediatric adj life adj support) or (advanced adj paediatric adj life adj support).mp.) OR (comparative study/ and (method$ or technique$).mp)] AND [Best bets paediatric filter] LIMIT to human and English.