cm
BSA Interpretation
- Normal adult BSA: 1.6 - 2.2 m²
- Children: Lower BSA, varies by age
- BSA is used for medication dosing, cardiac index, and chemotherapy
Important Notes
- Mosteller formula: BSA (m²) = sqrt([height(cm) × weight(kg)] / 3600)
- BSA is more accurate than weight alone for dosing certain medications
- Use actual body weight for most adults; consider adjusted weight in obesity
- Consult clinical guidelines for specific drug dosing recommendations
Body Surface Area (BSA) Calculator
Body surface area (BSA) is an important physiological measurement used in medicine for medication dosing, cardiac index, and assessment of metabolic mass. BSA is more accurate than weight alone for dosing certain medications, especially in oncology and critical care.
Mosteller Formula
- Height in centimeters (cm)
- Weight in kilograms (kg)
- BSA is reported in square meters (m²)
Interpretation
- Normal adult BSA: 1.6 - 2.2 m²
- Children: Lower BSA, varies by age
- BSA is used for medication dosing, cardiac index, and chemotherapy
Clinical Applications
- Medication dosing: Chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, and some antibiotics are dosed by BSA
- Cardiac index: Cardiac output indexed to BSA for heart failure and critical care
- Renal function: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is often normalized to BSA
Limitations
- BSA formulas may be less accurate in obesity or cachexia
- Use actual body weight for most adults; consider adjusted weight in obesity
- Consult clinical guidelines for specific drug dosing recommendations
Important Considerations
- Always interpret BSA in the context of the full clinical picture
- Document BSA and calculation method in the medical record
References
- Mosteller RD. Simplified calculation of body-surface area. N Engl J Med. 1987;317(17):1098.
- Du Bois D, Du Bois EF. A formula to estimate the approximate surface area if height and weight be known. Arch Intern Med. 1916;17(6):863-871.
- Haycock GB, Schwartz GJ, Wisotsky DH. Geometric method for measuring body surface area: A height-weight formula validated in infants, children, and adults. J Pediatr. 1978;93(1):62-66.
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