What does the Holliday-Segar method estimate?

• A. Estimates caloric expenditure in fixed weight categories
• B. Estimates total body water
• C. Estimates energy expenditure by activity
• D. Estimates protein requirements

Answer: (A)

The Holliday-Segar method is used to estimate daily maintenance fluid requirements for pediatric patients. It provides a simple weight-based rule to determine how many milliliters of fluid are needed each day: 100 mL per kilogram for the first 10 kg, 50 mL per kilogram for the next 10 kg, and 20 mL per kilogram for each kilogram over 20 kg. This approach helps clinicians plan IV fluids or oral maintenance to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance during illness or hospitalization. It does not estimate caloric expenditure, total body water, energy expenditure by activity, or protein requirements.