WHO severity criteria for children3
| WHO severity criteria, 2000 | Frequency* | Prognosis* |
|---|---|---|
| Coma (GCS<11)—impaired consciousness (GCS<15)/prostration | +++ | +++/+ |
| Seizure | +++ | + |
| Respiratory distress | +++ | +++ |
| Jaundice | +++ | ++ |
| Circulatory collapse | + | +++ |
| Abnormal bleeding | ± | +++ |
| Pulmonary oedema | ± | +++ |
| Haemoglobinuria | ± | + |
| Renal failure | + | ++ |
| Hypoglycaemia (<2.2 mmol/L) | +++ | +++ |
| Acidosis† | +++ | +++ |
| Severe anaemia (Hb<50 g/L) | +++ | + |
| Hyperlactataemia (>5 mmol/L) | ++ | +++ |
| Hyperparasitaemia (≥4% non-immune subject) | + | ± |
*On a scale from ±(low frequency or of low prognostic value for a poor prognosis) to +++ (high frequency or of high prognostic value for a poor prognosis).5
†Acidosis is defined as HCO3− concentration <15 mmol/L and/or base excess >−10 and/or pH <7.35.
GCS, Glasgow Coma Score.