Stature estimation using the knee height determination in critically ill patients

SummaryBackground & aimsNutritional requirements and many intensive care (ICU) therapies depend on stature and body weight. These informations are frequently missing. The long bone length is considered the best indicator of stature, and knee height has been validated for stature estimation in geriatrics. The study aimed at validating the Chumlea equation in ICU patients.MethodsProspective descriptive study was carried out in a University hospital. Stature determined by measurement (metric ribbon and metallic height gauge), nurse estimation and right + left knee height (KH), with stature calculated using Chumlea equations (gender, KH, age). Statistics: means ± SD, linear regression, Bland and Altman test.ResultsTwo-hundred and fifty patients (157 men/93 women) aged 61 ± 15 years were included. Right and left KH were in good agreement (r2 = 0.964). The mean difference between ribbon measured and calculated stature was −1.1 ± 5.3 cm, slightly better than the one between nurse estimation and measure; correlation between measured and calculated stature was fair: r2 = 0.664, p < 0.0001. Results were similar across ages.ConclusionThe knee height measurement is rapid and easy, and enables determination of ICU patient stature. The Chumlea equation is a reasonably accurate tool to determine height and derived values in ICU patients with cumbersome equipment.