Rathod et al reported the Sick Neonate Score for evaluating a sick neonate in a resource-poor setting. This was derived from the transport score of Hermansen et al and is similar to early warning score. The authors are from Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in India.
Patient selection: sick neonate with axillary temperature < 37.5°C
Parameters on arrival at hospital:
(1) respiratory rate with breaths per minute
(2) heart rate with beats per minute
(3) mean blood pressure in mm Hg
(4) axillary temperature in °C
(5) capillary filling time in seconds
(6) random blood glucose in mg/dL
(7) oxygen saturation on room air in percent
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
respiratory rate |
apnea or grunting |
0 |
|
|
< 40 breaths per minute |
0 |
|
|
40 to 60 breaths per minute (normal) |
2 |
|
|
> 60 breaths per minute (tachypnea) |
1 |
|
heart rate |
asystole |
0 |
|
|
< 100 (bradycardia) |
0 |
|
|
100 to 160 (normal) |
2 |
|
|
> 160 (tachycardia) |
1 |
|
mean blood pressure |
< 30 |
0 |
|
|
30 to 39 |
1 |
|
|
> 39 |
2 |
|
axillary temperature |
< 36°C |
0 |
|
|
36 to 36.5°C |
1 |
|
|
36.5 to 37.5°C |
2 |
|
capillary filling time |
< 3 seconds |
2 |
|
|
3 to 5 seconds |
1 |
|
|
> 5 seconds |
0 |
|
random blood sugar |
< 40 mg/dL |
0 |
|
|
40 to 60 mg/dL |
1 |
|
|
> 60 mg/dL |
2 |
|
oxygen saturation |
> 92% |
2 |
|
|
85 to 92% |
1 |
|
|
< 85% |
0 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 7 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 14
• A score <= 8 was associated with increased risk of mortality.
Performance:
• A score <= 8 showed a sensitivity is 58% and specificity 53%.
Specialty: Pedatrics
