Paediatric Sepsis Criteria (pSOFA)
Paediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA). Adapted from adult SOFA; assesses organ dysfunction across 6 systems for paediatric sepsis severity and mortality prediction.
Score interpretation
→ pSOFA 0–5: Low organ dysfunction. Continue sepsis bundle (antibiotics within 1 hour, IV access, lactate, blood cultures, fluids); frequent reassessment; monitor for deterioration.
→ pSOFA 6–10: Moderate multi-organ dysfunction. PICU consideration; escalate antibiotics if not responding; vasopressor support if haemodynamically unstable; senior paediatric review.
→ pSOFA 11+: Severe multi-organ dysfunction. Immediate PICU admission; vasopressors; mechanical ventilation if respiratory failure; renal replacement therapy consideration; early goals-of-care discussion; paediatric intensive care consult.
Interpretation bands for the pSOFA Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ceftriaxone (Paediatric) · Third-Generation Cephalosporin — Meningitis / Sepsis / Community-Acquired Pneumonia
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Enalapril (Paediatric Heart Failure / Hypertension) · ACE Inhibitor (Paediatric Heart Failure / Hypertension)
- Dobutamine (Acute HF / Stress Echo) · Inotrope / Acute Heart Failure
- Milrinone · Inodilator / Acute Heart Failure
- Vericiguat · Heart Failure
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.