4. Pediatric Trauma Assessment

4.4. Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS)

Pediatric Trauma Score

The pediatric trauma score (PTS) is used to rapidly assess the severity of the injury. This can be used to triage children and determine referral to pediatric trauma centers. It consists of six parameters that are evaluated during the initial assessment. Children with a score of 8 or less should be treated in a designated trauma center (Tables 3 and 4).

Table 3. Pediatric trauma score (PTS)

Category +2 +1 -1
Size/weight >20 kg 10-20 kg <10 kg
Airway Normal Stable Unstable
Systolic BP >90 mm Hg 50-90 mm Hg <50 mm Hg
CNS Awake Obtunded Comatose
Open wound None Minor Major
Fractures None Closed Open or Multiple

Table 4. Pediatric trauma score (PTS)

>8 <1% mortality predicted
<8 Suggests referral to trauma center
4 Predicts 50% mortality
<1 Predicts >98% mortality

Based on Tepas JJ, Alexander RH, Campbell JD, et al. An improved scoring system for assessment of the injured child. J. Trauma 1985; 25:720

When a child presents with a significant brain injury, also known as a traumatic brain injury, consider oxygen delivery to the brain and cerebral perfusion pressure.