Accurate determination of cast weight for neonates with clubfoot

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in cast weight during th e first 48 hours after application so that the true weight of a neonate can be estimated without the need for removing the cast. Five types of cast ma terials were compared. Cast weight measurements were obtained before and af ter application and at intervals during 48 hours. Final cast weight average d 107.5% of dry weight for plaster and 99% of dry weight for synthetic cast materials. For very low birth weight infants, the difference between the i nitial wet weight of plaster of Paris and its final dry weight may be signi ficant for calculating drug and fluid dosages. The weight of an infant can now be calculated without the necessity of cast removal.