Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS)
Scores severity of acute asthma exacerbation in children aged 1–18 years. Guides treatment decisions and disposition (discharge vs hospital admission).
Score interpretation
PASS 0–2 — mild acute asthma
→ Salbutamol (albuterol) MDI via spacer; observe 30–60 min; discharge if maintaining improvement; step-down to PRN bronchodilator; written asthma action plan
PASS 3–4 — moderate acute asthma
→ Salbutamol nebs or MDI q20min × 3; ipratropium bromide; oral prednisolone 1–2 mg/kg/day; reassess; admit if not improving
PASS 5–6 — severe acute asthma
→ Continuous nebulised salbutamol; IV magnesium sulphate; IV steroids; call anaesthetics; consider PICU; low threshold for intubation
Interpretation bands for the PASS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Gorelick MH, Stevens MW, Schultz TR, Scribano PV. Performance of a novel clinical score, the pediatric asthma severity score (PASS), in the evaluation of acute asthma. Acad Emerg Med. 2004;11(1):10–18.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Salbutamol (Paediatric — Asthma/Wheeze) · Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist (SABA)
- 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
- Doxapram hydrochloride · Respiratory stimulant
- Aminophylline IV · Xanthine bronchodilator (theophylline ethylenediamine)
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.