Correlation of clinical score to pulmonary function and oxygen saturation in children with asthma attack.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to demonstrate the importance of the relation between clinical score, pulse oximetry and spirometric tests in an asthma attack. METHODS In this randomized, double blind, observational study, 110 children (age 2-15 years) with an asthma attack who were admitted to emergency room were evaluated. Patient history, physical examination, clinical score and oxygen saturation were recorded in all patients; however pulmonary function tests were obtained only in 54 children who were over 5 years of age. The clinical score was derived from respiratory rate, wheezing, dyspnea and retractions. RESULTS Both oxygen saturation and spirometric tests were found to be significantly correlated with the clinical score in children. CONCLUSION The clinical score could be used for assessing the severity of the asthma attack particularly in developing countries where laboratory facilities are not available or pulmonary function tests are not feasible.