Studying a method of weight estimation for children using arm measurement, for when scales are unavailable or impractical.

This study is evaluating the predictive performance and equivalence of the Mercy Method™ weight estimation method in 625 children aged 2 months to 16 years at three U.S. sites. Study participants needed to be able to have arm measurements performed with a tape measuring device. The study period lasted approximately 20 minutes, and no follow-up visits occurred.

Summary

Many times, the weight of a child must be known, but a suitable scale is not available. Undeveloped countries often lack such devices, but sometimes, in developed countries, scales are unavailable (in cases of emergency or trauma) or impractical (in instances where casts, tubing, hoses, or other medical equipment pose difficulties). Therefore, methods for obtaining accurate weight are needed all around the world.

A few methods for estimating weight have been evaluated in pediatrics, such as relying on the child’s age, length, or a combination thereof. However, many of these strategies do not perform well in all children.

Investigators at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Missouri, have developed and validated a weight estimation method called the Mercy Method,™ which uses measurements of arm length and upper arm circumference obtained with a tape measuring device to predict weight. This method has outperformed other methods for predicting weight in children.

The Mercy Method™ tape study was conducted at three sites in the United States, with 625 children aged 2 months to 16 years who were able to have the measurements performed. The children’s involvement was completed within 20 minutes, and no follow-up visits were needed.

Publications

Presentations

Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting, May 4-7, 2013

The Mercy TAPE: A New Device for Pediatric Weight Estimation
Paul I, James L, Lewandowski A, Abdel-Rahman S