Silverman-Anderson score
Clinical scoring system used to assess respiratory distress severity in newborns based on physical examination findings.
Full Definition
A standardized assessment tool that evaluates five clinical parameters to quantify the degree of respiratory distress in neonates: chest lag, intercostal retraction, xiphoid retraction, nares dilatation, and expiratory grunt. Each parameter is scored from 0 to 2, with higher scores indicating more severe respiratory compromise. The total score ranges from 0 to 10, with scores above 6 typically indicating severe respiratory distress requiring immediate intervention. This tool helps clinicians objectively document respiratory status and guide treatment decisions in the NICU.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as an adjective modifier; capitalize both surnames.
In Context
- "The infant's Silverman-Anderson score of 8 indicated severe respiratory distress requiring intubation." — Nursing assessment note
- "Serial Silverman-Anderson scores showed improvement following surfactant administration." — Progress note