paediatrics critical-care

Phoenix Sepsis Score

2024 international paediatric sepsis criteria (Phoenix). Scores respiratory, cardiovascular, coagulation and neurological dysfunction; replaces the SIRS-based 2005 definitions. Missing measurements score 0.

Used in: Sepsis

Respiratory (SpO₂:FiO₂ only if SpO₂ ≤ 97 %)*

Systemic vasoactive medications (dobutamine, dopamine, adrenaline, milrinone, noradrenaline, vasopressin)*

Lactate, arterial or venous (not measured scores 0 — enter a normal value such as 1)*(mmol/L)

Age*

Mean arterial pressure*(mmHg)

Platelets < 100 ×10⁹/L

Yes

INR > 1.3

Yes

D-dimer > 2 mg/L FEU

Yes

Fibrinogen < 100 mg/dL (1 g/L)

Yes

Neurological*

Score interpretation

Phoenix < 2 — Sepsis Criteria Not Met 0–1

Score 0–1: does not meet the Phoenix sepsis criteria.

→ Treat the infection; reassess and rescore if the child deteriorates.

Phoenix ≥ 2 — Sepsis if Infection Suspected 2–13

Score 2 or more with suspected infection = sepsis. Septic shock = sepsis with at least 1 cardiovascular point (vasoactive medication, lactate ≥ 5 mmol/L or low MAP for age).

→ Paediatric sepsis pathway: cultures, IV antibiotics within 1 hour, fluid and vasoactive support as needed; senior and PICU review.

Interpretation bands for the Phoenix Sepsis. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Schlapbach LJ et al. International Consensus Criteria for Pediatric Sepsis and Septic Shock. JAMA. 2024;331(8):665–674.
Sanchez-Pinto LN et al. Development and validation of the Phoenix criteria for pediatric sepsis and septic shock. JAMA. 2024;331(8):675–686.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Phoenix Sepsis Score (Paediatric Sepsis Criteria) · Paediatric Sepsis

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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