Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS) for Asthma Exacerbation Severity
PASS Calculator
Wheezing
Work of Breathing
Prolonged Expiration
PASS Score:
0
Determines pediatric asthma severity based on physical exam findings.
Why Use
This score can help decide which patients need admission, especially when providers disagree or the patient may be “borderline” for needing admission.
When to Use
Pediatric patients (1-18 years old) with asthma exacerbations.
Formula
The PASS is calculated by the addition of the selected points: Variable Points Wheezing None or mild 0 Moderate 1 Severe wheezing or absent due to poor air movement 2 Work of breathing (use of accessory muscles, retractions) Normal or mildly diminished 0 Moderate 1 Severe 2 Prolongation of expiration (ratio of expiration to inspiration) Normal or mildly prolonged 0 Moderately prolonged 1 Severely prolonged 2
Pearls / Pitfalls
The Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS) provides a method for predicting likelihood of admission or extended ED stay. The PASS uses variables such as work of breathing (commonly used in decision to admit), and thus it may over-estimate score's utility.
Advice
The PASS score works best when done initially and after treatment to show a trend, but this may be the same as clinician reassessment as well.
More Information
The PASS uses a cut off value of 2 points as indication for potential admission to PICU.