An index of severity for acute pediatric illness

K.G. Nelson

American Journal of Public Health, 1980, vol. 70, issue 8, 804-807

Abstract: A study population of 1,106 patients presenting to a pediatric emergency room for care of acute non-traumatic illness were prospectively assessed to determine what clinical manifestations and/or functional status indicators predicted the severity of their illness. From these data, a 'Severity Index' was developed using a 0-1-2 point score for the five most significant predictors to give a maximum score of 10 points. The predictor variables include respiratory effort, skin color, activity, temperature, and ability to play. The index has a predictive accuracy for non-severe illness of 98.7 per cent with only 1.3 per cent false negative predictions. In predicting major illness, a false positive prediction rate of 15.8 per cent was obtained. The index appears valid both across and within diagnostic categories.

Date: 1980
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.70.8.804_9

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.70.8.804

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