👶 Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress)
Grade neonatal respiratory distress with the Silverman-Andersen score.
Silverman-Andersen Score (Neonatal Distress)
Upper chest movement
Lower chest retraction
Xiphoid retraction
Nares dilatation
Expiratory grunt
When to use
Trend work of breathing and response to support in newborns.
How it works
Upper chest, lower chest, xiphoid retraction, nares dilatation, expiratory grunt — each 0–2. 0–10 (0 = no distress).
Key points
- Higher score is worse (opposite of Apgar).
- Useful for monitoring response to respiratory support.
- Complements oxygen saturation and blood gas.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.