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Shock Index, Pediatric Age-Adjusted (SIPA)

Age-adjusted shock index for paediatric trauma.

Shock Index, Pediatric Age-Adjusted (SIPA)
Age
years
Heart rate
bpm
Systolic blood pressure
mmHg
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Risk-stratifying injured children (ages 4-16) at trauma presentation using age-specific shock-index thresholds.

Formula

Shock index = heart rate / systolic BP; abnormal if above the age cut-off: >1.22 (4-6 yr), >1.0 (7-12 yr), >0.9 (13-16 yr).

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Age-adjusted thresholds outperform a single adult cut-off because normal vital signs vary widely with age.
  • An elevated SIPA should prompt consideration of higher-level trauma activation.

References

  1. Acker SN, et al. J Pediatr Surg. 2015;50(2):331-4.