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The following message was posted to: PharmPK
We are currently having a debate in our institution about the best
way to calcuate IBW for adults less than 60 inches tall. I have only
found this discussed in one tertiary reference (Clinical Clerkship
Manual edited by Larry Boh) which says "For adults less than 5 feet
tall, actual body weight may be used if <45 kg for females or <50 kg
for males." Alternatively this reference offers the use of the
following pediatric IBW calculation for adults less than 5 ft tall:
IBW in kg = (height in cm)squared x (1.65)/1000
Historically, our staff has been multiplying the difference in height
from 60 inches by 2.3 and subtracting from the baseline IBW (ie 50 or
45.5 kg).
I would appreciate any thoughts you all might have on the subject. Thanks.
Carol A. Roby, PharmD, MS
Clinical Pharmacist
St. Agnes Hospital
900 Caton Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21229
410-368-3109
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The following message was posted to: PharmPK
Carol,
We faced a similar issue at the high end. We extrapolated the 1993 MetLife
Tables and included a statement to this effect in our SOP on performing
physical examinations. If you use elbow width to determine frame size you will
need to extrapolate this also. FYI for males we added 4lbs inch on the upper
and lower range for normal weight for anybody over 76" with a small or medium
frame and 5lbs per inch for large frame. For females we added 3lb per inch for
over 72 inches tall for all three frame sizes.
Hope this is useful.
Regards
Chris
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