Pediatric trauma score is a score used in pediatric injuries to gauge vulnerability of the injured child to traumatic injury.
The score uses the following parameters
- Weight of the child
- Airway status
- Systolic BP
- Consciousness Level
- Type of fractures
- Type of Wound
Following table shows how to calculate the score for each parameter-
| Score | +2 | +1 | -1 |
| Weight | >20Kgs | 10-20Kgs | <10 kgs |
| Airway | Patent | Maintainable | Unmaintainable |
| Systolic BP | >90mm Hg | 50-90 m Hg | <50 mm Hg |
| CNS | Awake | Loss of consciousness | Unresponsive |
| Fractures | None | Closed or suspected | Multiple closed or open |
| Wounds | None | Minor | Major, penetrating or Burns |
The final score is the sum total of all the scores.
The minimal score is -6 and the maximum score is +12.
Pediatric trauma score has been found to be a valid and reliable tool in predicting mortality of an injured child.
- If pediatric trauma score is >8, mortality is about 9%
- If pediatric trauma score is <0, mortality is 100%
Moreover, there is a linear relationship between the decrease in pediatric trauma score and mortality risk.
A clear and concise communication between the pre-hospital system and the hospital center is essential. This communication should be both simple and as detailed as possible in describing the patient’s state. The Pediatric Trauma Scale meets these criteria.
