Lee et al used the alginate method to determine the body surface area of adults. They then derived several equations for estimating the body surface area. The authors are from the University of Minnesota and Seoul National University.
Patient selection: Korean adults from 20 to 63 years old
Parameters:
(1) body weight in kilograms
(2) body height in centimeters
BSA for a male =
= 5.34 * (((1000*(weight))*(height))^0.5)
= 72.8 * ((height)^0.725) * ((weight)^0.425)
= 160.3 * ((height)^0.573) * ((weight)^0.424)
BSA for a female =
= 5.39 * (((1000*(weight))*(height))^0.5)
= 74.01 * ((height)^0.725) * ((weight)^0.425)
= 231.2 * ((height)^0.476) * ((weight)^0.455)
BSA independent of gender =
= 73.31 * ((height)^0.725) * ((weight)^0.425)
= (60.39 * (height)) + (115.27 * (weight))
Equations based on the Dubois expression [((height)^0.725) * ((weight)^0.425)] do not over or underestimate body surface area by body shape.
