Understanding the DuBois Formula: Solving for Height in Relation to Surface Area

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In summary, the conversation revolved around solving a problem using the DuBois formula and finding the height as a function of surface area for people with a fixed weight of 70. The summary includes the steps taken to solve the problem and the confusion around one of the steps. The expert helped clarify the confusion and provided a clear explanation of how the steps were derived.
  • #1
swears
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Ok, my teacher did this problem today, but there is 1 step I don't understand. If someone could explain to me how it's done, that'd be great.

Here's the problem:

Using the DuBois formula: S = 0.01W^(0.25) H^(.75)

Solve for H(Height) as a function of S (Surface Area) for people of fixed weight(W) 70

Answer:

S = 0.01(70)^(.25) H^(.75)

S = 100/70^(.25) = H^(.75)
//This is the step I don't understand. Where does the 100 come from and what happened to 0.01? Am I an idiot?

34.57 S = H^(.75)

34.57^(4/3) S^(4/3) = H

H = 112.6 S^(4/3)
 
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  • #2
Evidently, you don't understand it, since you are too sloppy about how you write stuff.
 
  • #3
S = 100/70^(.25) = H^(.75)
//This is the step I don't understand. Where does the 100 come from and what happened to 0.01? Am I an idiot?
It should not be "S =" at the beginning, it should be "S x", i.e. "S times". The whole thing should be:

S = 0.01(70)^(.25) H^(.75)

S x 100/70^(.25) = H^(.75)

34.57 S = H^(.75)

34.57^(4/3) S^(4/3) = H

H = 112.6 S^(4/3)
 
  • #4
arildno said:
Evidently, you don't understand it, since you are too sloppy about how you write stuff.

Thanks for the support
 
  • #5
AGK, how did you swap S and H^(.75)
 
  • #6
[tex]S = 0.01(70^{0.25}) \cdot H^{0.75}[/tex]

[tex]S = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100}\cdot H^{0.75}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{S}{H^{0.75}} = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{H^{0.75}} = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100S}[/tex]

[tex]H^{0.75} = \frac{100S}{70^{0.25}}[/tex]

[tex]H^{0.75} = S \times \frac{100}{70^{0.25}}[/tex]

Does that make more sense now?

~H
 
  • #7
Yes, that makes more sense, thanks.

I'm not sure how you got the 1 in step 4 though.
 
  • #8
swears said:
Yes, that makes more sense, thanks.

I'm not sure how you got the 1 in step 4 though.

From here;

[tex]\frac{{\color{red}S}}{H^{0.75}} = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100}[/tex]

Just divide both sides 'S'

[tex]\frac{1}{H^{0.75}} = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100{\color{red}S}}[/tex]

Do you see?

~H
 
  • #9
Yes, Thanks.
 

FAQ: Understanding the DuBois Formula: Solving for Height in Relation to Surface Area

What is the DuBois formula problem?

The DuBois formula problem, also known as the DuBois formula paradox, refers to the discrepancy between the two methods commonly used to estimate a person's body surface area (BSA). The DuBois formula, which was developed by Dr. DuBois in 1916, uses height and weight to estimate BSA, while the Mosteller formula, developed in 1987, uses only weight. This leads to different BSA estimates for the same person, with the DuBois formula typically giving a higher value.

Why is the DuBois formula problem important?

The DuBois formula problem is important because accurate estimation of BSA is crucial in various medical fields, such as drug dosing, nutrition assessment, and determining the severity of burns. The inconsistency between the DuBois and Mosteller formulas can lead to incorrect dosing of medications or inadequate nutritional support, potentially causing harm to the patient.

What are the potential causes of the DuBois formula problem?

There are several potential causes of the DuBois formula problem. One reason could be that the DuBois formula was developed using data from a small sample of individuals, which may not be representative of the entire population. Additionally, the Mosteller formula was developed using a larger and more diverse sample, which may explain why it is more accurate for estimating BSA. Other factors such as ethnicity, gender, and body composition may also play a role in the discrepancy between the two formulas.

How can the DuBois formula problem be addressed?

There are a few ways to address the DuBois formula problem. One approach is to use a combination of both formulas, taking an average of the two BSA estimates. Another solution is to use the Mosteller formula, which has been found to be more accurate in various studies. Additionally, more research can be conducted to develop a new and more accurate formula for estimating BSA.

What are the implications of the DuBois formula problem for medical practice?

The implications of the DuBois formula problem for medical practice are significant. Inaccurate estimation of BSA can lead to incorrect dosing of medications, which can result in adverse effects or ineffective treatment. It can also impact the accuracy of nutrition assessment and the determination of burn severity, potentially affecting patient outcomes. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of this issue and use the most appropriate formula for estimating BSA in their practice.

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