Silverman-Anderson Retraction Score
Assesses respiratory distress severity in neonates using five clinical signs of chest retraction. Score 0 = no distress; 10 = maximal distress.
Score interpretation
Silverman-Andersen score 0 — no respiratory distress
→ Routine neonatal observation
Score 1–3 — mild respiratory distress
→ Observation; supplemental oxygen if needed; repeat the score every 30–60 minutes
Score 4–6 — moderate respiratory distress
→ Neonatal review; consider CPAP; blood gas and chest X-ray
Score 7–10 — severe respiratory distress
→ Urgent senior neonatal review; respiratory support (CPAP or intubation); NICU admission
Interpretation bands for the Silverman-Anderson. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Poractant Alfa (Porcine Surfactant) · Lung Surfactant (Respiratory Distress Syndrome — Neonatal)
- Doxapram hydrochloride · Respiratory stimulant
- Cefuroxime · Second-Generation Cephalosporin — Respiratory / Surgical Prophylaxis
- Clarithromycin · Macrolide Antibiotic — Respiratory / H. pylori / MAC
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine · RSV pre-fusion F protein vaccine
- Rozanolixizumab · Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.