SCORTEN
Pronunciation: SKOR-ten
Also written as: SCORTEN — Severity-of-Illness Score for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
A validated seven-variable severity-of-illness scoring system used to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Full Definition
SCORTEN (Severity-of-Illness Score for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) assigns one point each for seven independent risk factors—including age ≥40 years, malignancy, heart rate, BSA detachment, serum urea, glucose, and bicarbonate levels—to generate a mortality probability score. It appears in intensive care, dermatology ward, and burns unit documentation. Editors must ensure the term is rendered in all capitals (it is an initialised acronym) and is not confused with general illness severity scores such as APACHE or SOFA. It should be expanded at first use in any clinical document.
Usage
Usage note: Render in all capitals. Expand at first use. Used exclusively in the context of TEN/SJS spectrum disorders; do not apply to other dermatological conditions.
In Context
- "On admission, a SCORTEN of 4 indicated a predicted mortality of approximately 58%, prompting immediate transfer to the burns unit." — Inpatient clinical note
- "The research paper's methods section required the editor to verify that SCORTEN variables were listed completely and accurately." — Journal manuscript editing