TBSA
Also written as: TBSA — Total Body Surface Area
An acronym for Total Body Surface Area, used in dermatology to quantify the extent of skin involvement in conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and erythroderma.
Full Definition
TBSA (Total Body Surface Area) is a standardized metric used to express the percentage of skin affected by a disease process or injury. In burns medicine, it is calculated using the Rule of Nines or Lund and Browder charts; in dermatology, it is frequently estimated using the 'handprint method,' where one hand (palm plus fingers) approximates 1% of a patient's TBSA. TBSA figures are integral to psoriasis severity scores such as PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index). Editors should ensure the acronym is expanded at first use, written consistently in uppercase, and paired with a percentage value (e.g., '30% TBSA'). It must not be confused with BSA (Body Surface Area), which in oncology refers to dosing calculations.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand at first use. Always express as a percentage. Distinguish from oncology 'BSA,' which is used for chemotherapy dose calculation and carries a different formula.
In Context
- "Psoriatic plaques covered approximately 25% TBSA, supporting a classification of severe disease." — Dermatology clinical assessment form
- "At first mention, expand TBSA to 'total body surface area (TBSA)' as per journal style; thereafter the abbreviation may be used alone." — Copy-editing instruction