Estimation of body surface area: nomogram vs. mathematical equations.

Body surface area (BSA) has been used in clinical practice to determine dosage of medication and in standardisation of biological parameters such as creatinine clearance, cardiac out put etc. BSA is estimated from measured height and weight, either with a nomogram or using a mathematical equation. There are many mathematical equations in the published literature but many are complex and may not be practical for use in busy wards or clinics [1]. The equation described by Mosteller is the simplest, and could estimate BSA using a nonscientific calculator [2]. The Boyd-West nomogram is a simple technique to estimate BSA, but has led to more estimation errors than the Mosteller equation [3]. Many would prefer to use a simple mathematical equation over a nomogram if the results produced by latter are accurate [4]. This study was designed to compare the accuracy of the Boyd-West nomogram and Mosteller equation in the estimation of BSA when used by medical officers (MO).