Ulna length to predict height in English and Portuguese patient populations

Background/Objective: This study assessed the extent to which ulna length could be used to predict height and body mass index (BMI) in various groups of English and Portuguese hospitalised patients, and tidal volumes in critically ill patients at risk of requiring ventilatory support. Subjects/Methods: Bedside measurements of weight, height and ulna length were made in 507 patients (432 English, 75 Portuguese; 264 men, 243 women) with a mean age of 61.8±18.9 years, height 165.1±9.5 cm and BMI 26.7±5.43 kg/m 2 . Results: Ulna length could be measured with ease in all subjects. The intra-observer technical error of measurement in the same subjects was 1%. Within each category of men and women aged