Calculators & Tools

Paediatric SIRS / Sepsis Criteria

International paediatric consensus definitions. SIRS = ≥2 criteria, one of which must be abnormal temperature or leucocyte count.

1 What is the Paediatric SIRS / Sepsis Criteria?

The Paediatric SIRS / Sepsis Criteria is a Critical care scoring tool used in paediatric practice. International paediatric consensus definitions. SIRS = ≥2 criteria, one of which must be abnormal temperature or leucocyte count. It scores 4 criteria and interprets the total across 3 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 Critical care
  • 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: Core temperature > 38.5 °C or < 36 °C; Leucocyte count elevated or depressed for age, or > 10 % immature neutrophils; Tachycardia >2 SD above normal for age (or bradycardia if < 1 year); Tachypnoea >2 SD above normal for age, or mechanical ventilation for an acute process. Totals are then banded: any score - SIRS not met: fewer than 2 criteria, or neither temperature nor leucocyte count abnormal - paediatric SIRS criteria not met; 3 SIRS criteria or more - SIRS present: sIRS criteria met. SEPSIS = SIRS plus suspected or proven infection. SEVERE SEPSIS = sepsis plus cardiovascular dysfunction, ARDS, or ≥2 other organ dysfunctions. SEPTIC SHOCK = sepsis plus cardiovascular dysfunction; 4 SIRS criteria or more - SIRS present - multiple criteria: several SIRS criteria met. If infection is suspected, treat as sepsis: cultures, early broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour, fluid resuscitation and lactate.
  • At least one criterion MUST be abnormal temperature or abnormal leucocyte count - the first two items carry 2 points to encode that requirement.
  • Age-specific vital-sign thresholds must be used; see the Paediatric Parameters table in Guides.
  • Source: Goldstein B, Giroir B, Randolph A. International pediatric sepsis consensus conference. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2005;6:2-8.

4 Frequently asked questions

How many criteria does the Paediatric SIRS / Sepsis Criteria use?

4. They are Core temperature > 38.5 °C or < 36 °C; Leucocyte count elevated or depressed for age, or > 10 % immature neutrophils; Tachycardia >2 SD above normal for age (or bradycardia if < 1 year); Tachypnoea >2 SD above normal for age, or mechanical ventilation for an acute process.

What do the bands of the Paediatric SIRS / Sepsis Criteria mean?

The total is interpreted as: any score - SIRS not met: fewer than 2 criteria, or neither temperature nor leucocyte count abnormal - paediatric SIRS criteria not met; 3 SIRS criteria or more - SIRS present: sIRS criteria met. SEPSIS = SIRS plus suspected or proven infection. SEVERE SEPSIS = sepsis plus cardiovascular dysfunction, ARDS, or ≥2 other organ dysfunctions. SEPTIC SHOCK = sepsis plus cardiovascular dysfunction; 4 SIRS criteria or more - SIRS present - multiple criteria: several SIRS criteria met. If infection is suspected, treat as sepsis: cultures, early broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour, fluid resuscitation and lactate.

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?

At least one criterion MUST be abnormal temperature or abnormal leucocyte count - the first two items carry 2 points to encode that requirement.

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.