Pediatric Maintenance Fluid Calculator
The Pediatric Maintenance Fluid Calculator estimates Daily Fluid Requirement based on patient weight and dehydration percentage. This tool helps medical professionals and caregivers determine accurate IV fluid rates for children efficiently. Whether you are calculating standard maintenance needs, adjusting for dehydration deficits, or studying the 100-50-20 rule, this resource ensures safe and precise hydration management.
How Daily Fluid Requirement Is Calculated
The Daily Fluid Requirement represents the total volume of fluid a child needs over 24 hours to stay properly hydrated. This calculation relies on the widely used Holliday-Segar method, often called the 100-50-20 rule, which adjusts for metabolic rates as body weight increases.
100 mL/kg (first 10 kg) + 50 mL/kg (next 10 kg) + 20 mL/kg (remaining kg)
Where:
- First 10 kg: Calculate 100 mL for every kilogram.
- Next 10 kg: Calculate 50 mL for every kilogram.
- Remaining kg: Calculate 20 mL for every kilogram.
First, determine the base maintenance volume using the weight-based steps above. Then, calculate the dehydration deficit by multiplying the patient's weight by the dehydration percentage (e.g., 5% of 10 kg is 0.5 kg or 500 mL). Finally, add this deficit to the maintenance volume to get the total Daily Fluid Requirement. This stepwise approach ensures the fluid prescription matches the child's specific physiological needs.
What Your Daily Fluid Requirement Means
This number tells you the exact amount of fluid to deliver over a 24-hour period, often split into hourly rates for IV pumps or oral intake goals. It serves as a baseline prescription that keeps the child’s electrolytes and hydration in balance.
Routine Maintenance
For a child with no dehydration, the result is simply the standard hourly rate. For example, a 10 kg child needs 100 mL/hr, totaling 2400 mL per day, to maintain normal bodily functions. You should set the IV pump to deliver this amount continuously.
Dehydration Replacement
If a child is dehydrated, the calculator adds the deficit volume to the maintenance total. You should administer this total volume over the first 24 hours. However, in severe cases, a doctor may prescribe giving half the deficit in the first 8 hours and the remainder over the next 16 hours.
Pro Tip
Always monitor the patient for signs of fluid overload, such as edema or respiratory distress, especially in very young infants or those with heart or kidney issues.
Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or fluid management.
To adjust the rate, re-calculate if the patient's weight changes significantly or if their hydration status improves or worsens during treatment.