The Phoenix criteria can be used to evaluate a pediatric patient with sepsis. Schlapbach reported a diagnostic flow incorporating these criteria. The authors are from multiple institutions from around the world.
Patient selection: unwell child with suspected infection
Steps:
(1) Screen for sepsis.
(2) Screen for organ failures.
(3) Start antibiotic therapy and determine need for organ support.
(4) Determine Phoenix Sepsis score.
(5) Assess the cardiovascular component of the Phoenix Sepsis score.
If sepsis is not suspected or if the Phoenix sepsis score is 0 or 1, then monitor and periodically reassess.
If the Phoenix Sepsis score is >= 2, then the patient is diagnosed as having sepsis.
If the cardiovascular component is >= 1, then the patient is diagnosed as having septic shock.
If the child is septic, then antimicrobial therapy, organ support, and ICU care is indicated, which may entail transfer of the patient to a higher tier facility.
