Neonatal Respiratory Distress Newborn (RDS) Index - Medical Algorithm

Silverman and Anderson developed a simple score for grading the severity of neonatal respiratory distress.

Parameters:

(1) chest movements

(2) retractions of the intercostals muscles

(3) retractions at the xyphoid

(4) nares flaring/dilatation

(5) expiratory grunt

Parameter	Finding	Points
chest movements	synchronized respiration	0
	lag on inspiration	1
	"seesaw" movement upper chest	2
retraction of intercostals muscles	none	0
	just visible	1
	marked	2
retractions at the xyphoid	none	0
	just visible	1
	marked	2
nares flaring	none	0
	slight	1
	moderate to marked	2
expiratory grunt	none	0
	audible with stethoscope	1
	audible without stethoscope	2

total score =

= SUM(points for all 5 parameters)

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 10

• The higher the score the worse the respiratory compromise.

To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.

Silverman Score (Silverman-Anderson Index) for Neonatal Respiratory Distress (RDS)