Paediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS)
Assesses acute asthma severity in children 2-17 years. Guides salbutamol frequency, ipratropium, IV magnesium, and PICU referral.
Score interpretation
→ Salbutamol 2-10 puffs via spacer every 20-30 min x3; oral prednisolone 1-2mg/kg (max 40mg) 3-5 days; discharge if improving; written action plan
→ Back-to-back salbutamol; ipratropium 4-8 puffs / 250mcg neb; IV access; oral or IV steroids; observe in ED minimum 4h; PICU review if not improving
→ IV magnesium sulphate 40-50mg/kg (max 2g) over 20 min; continuous nebulised salbutamol; IV aminophylline or salbutamol; PICU admission; senior paediatric anaesthetist; avoid intubation if possible
Interpretation bands for the Paediatric Asthma PASS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Salbutamol (Paediatric — Asthma/Wheeze) · Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist (SABA)
- Hydrocortisone (IV — Paediatric Emergency) · IV Corticosteroid / Adrenal Replacement
- Prednisolone (Paediatric) · Corticosteroid — Asthma Exacerbation / Croup / Nephrotic Syndrome / IBD
- Montelukast (Paediatric) · Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist — Asthma Prophylaxis / Allergic Rhinitis
- Magnesium Sulphate IV (Acute Asthma) · Bronchodilator / Smooth muscle relaxant
- Magnesium Sulphate (IV — ICU/Anaesthesia) · Electrolyte / Anticonvulsant / Tocolytic
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.