Accidental poisoning with kerosene oil in children is common in India and some other countries. A prognostic score can be used to assess the child and can be used to help guide therapeutic intervention appropriate to the severity of the exposure.
Parameters:
(1) fever
(2) severe malnutrition
(3) respiratory distress
(4) neurological symptoms.
Parameter
Finding
Points
fever
absent
0
present
1
severe malnutrition
absent
0
present
1
respiratory distress
absent
0
present without cyanosis
2
present with cyanosis
4
neurological symptoms
absent
0
present without convulsions
2
present with convulsions
4
prognostic score =
= (points for fever) + (points for malnutrition) + (points for respiratory distress) + (points for neurological symptoms)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 10
• A score >= 4 was associated with a prolonged hospital stay and complications.
• A score >= 8 was associated with an increased risk of dying, while a score <= 7 indicated that the child would likely survive.
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