Paediatric SIRS, Sepsis, and Septic Shock Criteria
Age-adjusted criteria for SIRS, sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock in children. Based on International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference (IPSCC) 2005 definitions.
Score interpretation
Fewer than 2 SIRS criteria, or none of them temperature/WBC.
→ Reassess if the clinical picture changes.
SIRS criteria met without suspected infection.
→ Look for a source; reassess.
SIRS with suspected or proven infection.
→ Start the paediatric sepsis pathway.
Sepsis with ARDS (one other organ alone does not meet this; ≥ 2 do).
→ Escalate; senior and critical-care review.
Sepsis with cardiovascular organ dysfunction.
→ Resuscitate per paediatric septic shock guidance; PICU.
Interpretation bands for the Paediatric Sepsis Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Goldstein B et al. International pediatric sepsis consensus conference: definitions for sepsis and organ dysfunction in pediatrics. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2005;6(1):2-8.
- NICE NG51. Sepsis: recognition, diagnosis and early management. NICE. 2016 (updated 2021).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Hydrocortisone (ICU — Stress Dosing) · Corticosteroid (ICU/Septic Shock)
- Ibuprofen (Paediatric) · NSAID / Analgesic / Antipyretic
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
- Ceftriaxone (Paediatric) · Third-Generation Cephalosporin — Meningitis / Sepsis / Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.