Calculators & Tools

CHIPS — Childhood Hodgkin Prognostic Score

Predicts event-free survival in intermediate-risk paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma.

1 What is the CHIPS — Childhood Hodgkin Prognostic Score?

The CHIPS — Childhood Hodgkin Prognostic Score is a oncology scoring tool used in paediatric practice. Predicts event-free survival in intermediate-risk paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma. It scores 4 criteria and interprets the total across 4 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.

2 When to use it

  • Grading severity at the bedside in oncology
  • Recording an objective severity band in the case notes
  • Deciding when a total crosses the threshold for escalation
  • Re-scoring to track whether a child is improving or deteriorating
  • Checking the exact criteria of a score used infrequently

3 Formula & method

The score sums 4 criteria: Stage 4 disease; Large mediastinal mass; Serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL; Fever (B symptom). Totals are then banded: any score - Low risk: cHIPS 0 - approximately 93% 4-year event-free survival. Standard therapy; 1 point or more - Intermediate: cHIPS 1 - approximately 89% 4-year EFS; 2 points or more - Higher risk: cHIPS 2 - approximately 81% 4-year EFS. Consider response-adapted intensification; 3 points or more - High risk: cHIPS 3-4 - approximately 70% 4-year EFS. Higher-intensity therapy and close response assessment.
  • Derived in COG AHOD0031 (intermediate-risk Hodgkin lymphoma).
  • Source: Schwartz CL et al. A risk-adapted, response-based approach for intermediate-risk Hodgkin lymphoma: CHIPS. Blood 2017;129:3193-3197.

4 Frequently asked questions

How many criteria does the CHIPS — Childhood Hodgkin Prognostic Score use?

4. They are Stage 4 disease; Large mediastinal mass; Serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL; Fever (B symptom).

What do the bands of the CHIPS — Childhood Hodgkin Prognostic Score mean?

The total is interpreted as: any score - Low risk: cHIPS 0 - approximately 93% 4-year event-free survival. Standard therapy; 1 point or more - Intermediate: cHIPS 1 - approximately 89% 4-year EFS; 2 points or more - Higher risk: cHIPS 2 - approximately 81% 4-year EFS. Consider response-adapted intensification; 3 points or more - High risk: cHIPS 3-4 - approximately 70% 4-year EFS. Higher-intensity therapy and close response assessment.

Does the score replace clinical judgement?

No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.

Where does this score come from?

Derived in COG AHOD0031 (intermediate-risk Hodgkin lymphoma).

Does it work offline?

Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.

For qualified clinicians. This page and the PediAid app are a clinical aid only. Calculations and reference data must be verified against the patient's clinical context, the source guideline and your local protocols before any treatment decision is made.