👶 Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS)
Assess paediatric appendicitis likelihood with the PAS.
Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS)
Cough/percussion/hopping RLQ tenderness
RLQ tenderness
Anorexia
Fever ≥ 38°C
Nausea/vomiting
Leukocytosis ≥ 10×10⁹/L
Neutrophilia (left shift > 75%)
Migration of pain to RLQ
When to use
Risk-stratify children with suspected appendicitis.
How it works
RLQ tenderness (2), cough/percussion/hop tenderness (2), and six 1-point items (anorexia, fever, nausea/vomiting, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, migration). 0–10.
Key points
- ≤ 3 low, 4–6 indeterminate, ≥ 7 high.
- Intermediate scores favour ultrasound-first imaging.
- Reduces unnecessary CT in children.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.