Phoenix Sepsis Score (replacing pSOFA)
International consensus paediatric sepsis criteria (Schlapbach 2024). Phoenix score sums respiratory, cardiovascular, coagulation, and neurological subscores. Phoenix ≥2 with suspected infection = sepsis; cardiovascular subscore ≥1 = septic shock. Replaces pSOFA in current Surviving Sepsis paediatric guidance.
Score interpretation
→ Treat infection per local antibiotic guideline; ongoing observation; reassess at 1 h and after fluid bolus per surviving-sepsis paediatric pathway.
→ Activate paediatric sepsis pathway — broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 h; isotonic fluid bolus 10–20 mL/kg over 5–20 min reassessing after each; PICU referral. Source control.
→ PICU admission. Vasoactive infusion (epinephrine first-line) if fluid-refractory; consider hydrocortisone in catecholamine-resistant shock; lactate-guided resuscitation; mechanical ventilation as needed; continuous renal replacement therapy if AKI / fluid overload.
Interpretation bands for the Phoenix Sepsis. 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
- Hydrocortisone (ICU — Stress Dosing) · Corticosteroid (ICU/Septic Shock)
- Noradrenaline (Cardiogenic Shock / Vasopressor) · Vasopressor / Cardiogenic Shock
- Vasopressin / Terlipressin · Vasopressin Analogue — Vasodilatory Shock / Variceal Bleeding
- Melatonin · Melatonin Receptor Agonist
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.