AVAILABLE AND INTERSTITIAL FLUID VOLUMES OF NORMAL CHILDREN

Abstract

Available fluid vols. of 65 normal children, 3-17 yr. of age, were calculated from the dilution of intraven. injected NaSCN and the interstitial fluids estimated by sub trading from these the plasma and 70% of the red cell vols. Equations were developed to describe the relations of these vols. to body height, weight, and surface. Surface area was found to be the best standard of reference. Reference to combinations of anthropometric measurements did not increase the accuracy of prediction of the fluid vols. The interstitial fluid volume did not vary with the state of nutrition. Per unit of body wt., the available fluid vol. remains constant throughout the age range studied, but the average of 287 ml./kg. for children exceeds corresponding avgs. which have been reported for adults.