Comparative Analysis of pSOFA and qSOFA Scores in Predicting Mortality and Hospital Stay Duration in Pediatric Sepsis (Code-T0083)

Introduction: Sepsis in children is a critical condition requiring prompt identification and management. The pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) scores are two commonly used tools for assessing the severity of sepsis. While both scores aim to predict outcomes, including mortality and hospital stay duration, their comparative effectiveness in pediatric sepsis remains uncertain.

Aims and Objectives: To Compare pSOFA and qSOFA scores in predicting mortality and length of hospital stay in children with sepsis admitted to pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 150 pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis. Both pSOFA and qSOFA scores were calculated at the time of sepsis diagnosis, and their association with mortality and hospital stay duration was analyzed. Mortality data were collected, and the length of hospital stay was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy of each score.

Results: The pSOFA score demonstrated a higher sensitivity (85%) and specificity (78%) for predicting mortality compared to qSOFA. However, qSOFA showed a similar predictive value for hospital stay duration. Both scores correlated significantly with prolonged hospital stays, but pSOFA was a stronger predictor of mortality.

Conclusion: Both pSOFA and qSOFA are effective in predicting outcomes in pediatric sepsis, but pSOFA offers superior sensitivity and specificity for mortality prediction. qSOFA remains useful for assessing hospital stay duration. These tools can guide clinicians in managing pediatric sepsis more effectively.

Keywords: Pediatric Sepsis, pSOFA, qSOFA, Mortality, Hospital Stay Duration, Prognostic Scores.