A Validation Study of the PAWPER (Pediatric Advanced Weight Prediction in the Emergency Room) Tape-A New Weight Estimation Tool

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of the PAWPER (Pediatric Advanced Weight Prediction in the Emergency Room) tape, a new weight-estimation tool with a modifier for body habitus, in our increasingly obese population.Study designA convenience sample of children presenting to the pediatric emergency department of an urban public hospital was enrolled. A nurse or doctor assigned the patient a body habitus score and used the PAWPER tape to estimate the weight. The true weight was then recorded for comparison.The estimated weight was considered accurate if it was within 10% of the true weight.ResultsWe enrolled 1698 patients; 579 (34%) were overweight or obese. Overall, the estimated weight was accurate for 64% of patients (95% CI 61%-65%). For children with an above-average body habitus, the tape was accurate 50% of the time (95% CI 46%-55%). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of the PAWPER tape for children assessed during medical and trauma resuscitations.ConclusionAlthough the PAWPER tape may ultimately be useful, its initial performance was not replicated in our population. A simple, accurate method of weight estimation remains elusive.