Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress) — free guideline decision tool
Grade neonatal respiratory distress with the Silverman-Andersen score.
Open guideline tool →Guideline-based
Implements the decision logic from published clinical guidelines.
Runs in your browser
No installation. Enter the patient's values and get a guideline recommendation instantly.
Data stays local
Nothing is uploaded. Results are for licensed clinicians only.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Upper chest movement | Synchronised (0) |
|---|---|
| Lower chest retraction | None (0) |
| Xiphoid retraction | None (0) |
| Nares dilatation | None (0) |
| Expiratory grunt | None (0) |
→Silverman-Andersen0/10
- Interpretation：No distress
- Note：Unlike Apgar, a higher Silverman score is worse; 0 indicates no respiratory distress.
| Upper chest movement | See-saw (2) |
|---|---|
| Lower chest retraction | Marked (2) |
| Xiphoid retraction | Marked (2) |
| Nares dilatation | Marked (2) |
| Expiratory grunt | Audible by ear (2) |
→Silverman-Andersen10/10
- Interpretation：Severe distress / impending failure
- Note：Unlike Apgar, a higher Silverman score is worse; 0 indicates no respiratory distress.
Common questions
What is Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress)?
Grade neonatal respiratory distress with the Silverman-Andersen score.
How is Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress) calculated? What is the core formula?
Upper chest, lower chest, xiphoid retraction, nares dilatation, expiratory grunt — each 0–2. 0–10 (0 = no distress).
When is Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress) used?
Trend work of breathing and response to support in newborns.
What are the key clinical points for Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress)?
Higher score is worse (opposite of Apgar). Useful for monitoring response to respiratory support. Complements oxygen saturation and blood gas.
What are the limits and cautions when using Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress)?
For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
How is Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: Upper chest movement Synchronised (0), Lower chest retraction None (0), Xiphoid retraction None (0), Nares dilatation None (0), Expiratory grunt None (0) → Result: Silverman-Andersen 0 /10（Interpretation: No distress, Note: Unlike Apgar, a higher Silverman score is worse; 0 indicates no respiratory distress.） Inputs: Upper chest movement See-saw (2), Lower chest retraction Marked (2), Xiphoid retraction Marked (2), Nares dilatation Marked (2), Expiratory grunt Audible by ear (2) → Result: Silverman-Andersen 10 /10（Interpretation: Severe distress / impending failure, Note: Unlike Apgar, a higher Silverman score is worse; 0 indicates no respiratory distress.）
Run Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress) now
Grade neonatal respiratory distress with the Silverman-Andersen score.
Open guideline tool →For licensed clinicians. Not a substitute for clinical judgement.
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