In pediatric medicine, fluid administration is strictly calculated based on the child's body weight to prevent fluid overload or dehydration. The gold standard for determining maintenance fluid requirements is the Holliday-Segar Method, often referred to as the 4-2-1 rule for hourly calculations.
The Holliday-Segar Formula (Daily)
First 10 kg: 100 ml per kg
Next 10 kg (11-20 kg): 50 ml per kg
Each kg above 20 kg: 20 ml per kg
How to Calculate IV Drip Rate
If an infusion pump is unavailable, clinicians must calculate the manual drip rate. The formula used is:
(Hourly Rate in ml/hr × Drop Factor in gtt/ml) ÷ 60 minutes = Drops per Minute (gtt/min)
Practical Example
For a child weighing 15 kg:
First 10 kg: 10 kg × 100 ml = 1,000 ml
Remaining 5 kg: 5 kg × 50 ml = 250 ml
Total Daily Maintenance: 1,250 ml / 24 hours
Hourly Rate: ~52 ml/hr
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only. Pediatric dosing must always be verified by a licensed medical professional. Always double-check calculations before clinical administration.