Neonatal 7: Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Scoring System Portal
Downs Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Scoring System is an index designed to objectively assess the clinical severity of hyaline membrane disease. The scores have therapeutic and prognostic significance but are not as reliable as blood gas measurements. They are to be used as an adjunct to (not as a substitute for) blood gas determinations.
Allow the infant to stabilize for at least 5 minutes at a constant F1O2 before scoring.
| RDS Score | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Cyanosis | None | Cyanotic in air | Cyanotic in 40% O2 |
| Retractions | None | Mild | Severe |
| Grunting | None | Audible with stethoscope | Audible without stethoscope |
| Air entry-make baby cry and listen to breath sounds while baby cries | Clear | Delayed or decreased | Barely audible |
| Respiratory rate | 60 | 60 to 80 | 80 or apneic episodes |
An RD score of 4 or more for at least 2 hours during the first 8 hours of life denotes clinical RD and requires assessment of the infant by a physician.
An RD score of 6 or more is an indication for ventilatory assistance.