Validation of the finger counting method using the Monte Carlo simulation

Purpose The dose of drug and the size of instrument are determined based on children’s weight. We aimed to validate the finger counting method (FCM) for weight estimation in Korean children using the Monte Carlo simulation. Methods We estimated the weight of Korean children aged 1 to 9 years by the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hyunsu Kang, Youngsuk Cho, Jinhyuck Lee, Hyunmin Cha, Hyunjung Lee, Daehee Choi, Gyu Chong Cho, Dongkeon Lee, Ji Yun Ahn, Youdong Sohn
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Korean Society of Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2017-12-01
Series:Pediatric Emergency Medicine Journal
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Online Access:http://pemj.org/upload/pdf/pemj-2017-00150.pdf
Description
Summary:Purpose The dose of drug and the size of instrument are determined based on children’s weight. We aimed to validate the finger counting method (FCM) for weight estimation in Korean children using the Monte Carlo simulation. Methods We estimated the weight of Korean children aged 1 to 9 years by the FCM. These measurements were compared with the weight extracted by the Monte Carlo simulation applied to the “2007 Korean Children and Adolescents Growth Standard.” Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were measured to assess the correlation between the weight extracted by the simulation and that estimated by FCM. Bland-Altman analyses were performed to assess the agreement between the weight extracted by the simulation and that estimated by FCM and 2 other well-known pediatric weight estimation formulas (the Advanced Pediatric Life Support and Luscombe formulas). Results Data regarding 9,000 children’s weight selected by age and gender was randomly extracted using the simulation. We found a positive correlation between the weight estimated by the FCM and the weight extracted (in boys, r = 0.896, P < 0.001; in girls, r = 0.899, P < 0.001). The FCM tended to underestimate weight in the children aged 7 years or old. Conclusion This article suggests the usefulness of FCM in weight estimation, particularly in children younger than 7 years. With appreciation of the limitation in older children, the FCM could be applied to emergency practice.
ISSN:2383-4897
2508-5506