Clinical Score of Stokland et al in Pediatric Meningococcal Infection

Patient population: pediatric patients admitted to the university  hospital in Tromso, Norway over a period of 7.5 years

Unfavorable indicators:

(1) number and size of petechiae

(2) vasoconstriction

(3) hyperventilation and/or cyanosis

(4) lack of neck stiffness

(5) impairment of consciousness

(6) rectal temperature >= 40°C

clinical score =

= SUM (points for the 6 unfavorable indicators)

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 6

• A score >= 4 indicates a high risk for mortality.

Performance in initial evaluation:

• sensitivity 100%, specificity 95%

• predictive value of fatal outcome 69%, predictive value of survival 100%

• performance was better than Niklasson's scoring system