Arnold et al developed a simple clinical score to evaluate pediatric patients with asthma. It correlates with changes in FEV1 and asthma severity. The authors are from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and University Medical Center Utrecht.
Patient selection: asthma patients 5 to 17 years of age
Parameters:
(1) R = respiratory rate on room air (based on Wallis et al)
(2) A = accessory muscle use, visible
(3) D = decreased breath sounds (air entry) on auscultation
Parameter
Finding
Points
respiratory rate on room air
<= 24 breaths per minute
0
>= 25 breaths per minute
1
accessory muscle use, visible
none
0
any
1
decreased breath sounds
normal
0
any decrease
1
RAD score =
= SUM(points for all 3 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 3
• The higher the RAD score, the more severe the asthma.
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