Cooperman et al developed a simplified cystic fibrosis score (SCS) for evaluating children with cystic fibrosis. This can be used to monitor a patient over time. The authors are from Ottawa Civic Hospital in Ontario, Canada.
Parameters:
(1) activity
(2) chest-X-ray
(3) clubbing
(4) growth and development
(5) complications
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
activity |
engages in athletics with normal peers; shows normal activity level |
2 |
|
|
attends regular school with normal peers, misses not more than 2 days per month |
1 |
|
|
misses more than 2 days of school per month; may be unable to attend a regular school; requires increased risk |
0 |
|
chest X-ray |
normal |
2 |
|
|
minimal increased markings and emphysema |
1 |
|
|
moderate to marked abnormalities |
0 |
|
clubbing |
0 to 1+ |
2 |
|
|
1+ to 2+ with no cyanosis |
1 |
|
|
2+ and greater |
0 |
|
growth and development |
> 25th percentile for height and weight |
2 |
|
|
>= 3rd percentile for height and weight |
1 |
|
|
< 3rd percentile for height and weight |
0 |
|
complication |
none |
2 |
|
|
transient |
1 |
|
|
fixed |
0 |
where:
• Several factors (clubbing, growth development) showed overlap in the original table.
• I added "moderate to marked abnormalities" and "misses more than 2 days of school per month" for 0 points to the table. These were inferred by the examples but not listed.
SCS score =
= SUM(points for all 5 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 10
• The higher the score, the better the patient's clinical status.
Limitations:
• This was a preliminary report.
• The authors noted variation between observers for clubbing grade.
• It was difficult to measure activity levels in children < 18 months of age.
• With better survival, affected persons have been able to progress beyond regular schooling. Adding or modifying some of the elements might make the score more useful.
Specialty: Pulmonology, Genetics, Gastroenterology
