Determination of body surface area in Indian Hindu children

Abstract

Body surface area (BSA) was actually measured in 13 Indian Hindu children, of ages varying between 3 and 12 yr, with tape and surface integrator. In 9 out of 13 children the results obtained were lower than the BSA calculated with the weight-height formula of Du Bois and Du Bois. Based on the actual measurements, a new constant for the weight-height formula was obtained and a new equation: surface area, cm2 = weight 0.425 kg x height 0.725 cm x 70, has been suggested for the BSA of Indian children. A nomogram for reading off surface area in metric units based on the above formula was prepared. A significant difference existed between the BSA calculated with the new formula and that of Du Bois and Du Bois. Submitted on December 30, 1960