cliot (version 1.0.0)

pediatric_asthma_severity_score: Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS)

Description

Calculates the Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS), a clinical tool used to assess the severity of asthma exacerbations in children (ages 1-18). The score evaluates three physical exam findings: wheezing, work of breathing, and prolongation of expiration. Scores correlate with the decision to admit or discharge.

Usage

pediatric_asthma_severity_score(wheezing, work_of_breathing, prolongation_of_expiration)

Value

A list containing:

PASS_Score

The calculated total score (Range 0-6).

Interpretation

Clinical guidance based on the score (Score < 2 suggests discharge; >= 2 suggests need for further observation or admission).

Arguments

wheezing

String. Severity of wheezing. "normal_mild": None or mild (0 pts). "moderate": Moderate (1 pt). "severe": Severe wheezing or absent breath sounds due to poor air movement (2 pts).

work_of_breathing

String. Use of accessory muscles and retractions. "normal_mild": Normal or mildly increased (0 pts). "moderate": Moderate (1 pt). "severe": Severe (2 pts).

prolongation_of_expiration

String. Ratio of expiration to inspiration. "normal_mild": Normal or mildly prolonged (0 pts). "moderate": Moderately prolonged (1 pt). "severe": Severely prolonged (2 pts).

References

Gorelick MH, Scribano PV, Stevens MW, et al. Predicting admission in children with acute asthma. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2008;24(11):735-744. doi:10.1097/PEC.0b013e31818c26e2

Examples

# Example 1: Mild Exacerbation
# Mild wheeze (0), Moderate work (1), Normal expiration (0)
# Score = 1
pediatric_asthma_severity_score("normal_mild", "moderate", "normal_mild")

# Example 2: Severe Exacerbation
# Severe wheeze (2), Severe work (2), Severe expiration (2)
# Score = 6
pediatric_asthma_severity_score("severe", "severe", "severe")