Question 1

What is Body Surface Area (BSA)?

Accepted Answer

Body Surface Area (BSA) is a measurement of the total area of the human body skin, expressed in square meters (m2). It is used in medicine to calculate drug doses, assess burns, and determine cardiac and renal parameters.

Question 2

Which is the most commonly used BSA formula?

Accepted Answer

The Du Bois formula (1916) is the most widely used in clinical practice: BSA = 0.007184 x weight^0.425 x height^0.725. However, the Mosteller formula is popular due to its simplicity.

Question 3

Why are different formulas used?

Accepted Answer

Each formula was developed with different populations and methodologies. Du Bois is the clinical standard, Mosteller is simpler to compute, and Haycock was specifically developed for pediatric patients.

Question 4

What is the average BSA for an adult?

Accepted Answer

The average adult BSA is approximately 1.7 m2. For adult males it is close to 1.9 m2, and for adult females around 1.6 m2.

Question 5

What is BSA used for in medicine?

Accepted Answer

BSA is used for chemotherapy and other drug dosing, calculating cardiac index, assessing burn extent, determining renal function (GFR), and adjusting dialysis parameters.

Calculadora de Superfície Corporal (BSA)