Downes score (neonatal respiratory distress)
Downes score: 5 neonatal respiratory-distress parameters scored 0-2 each (total 0-10); 0-3 mild, 4-6 moderate (impending respiratory failure), >=7 severe (consider assisted ventilation).
Open the tool → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Respiratory rate
- 1
- Cyanosis
- 1
- Air entry
- 1
- Grunting
- 1
- Retractions
- 1
Result: Total 5 (moderate, 4-6): impending respiratory failure.
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- <=3
- No clinical respiratory distress.
- 4-6
- Moderate distress; impending respiratory failure.
- >=7
- Severe distress / respiratory failure.
What you enter
- Respiratory rate
- Cyanosis
- Air entry
- Grunting
- Retractions
How this is calculated
Downes JJ, et al. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1970;9(6):325-331. Five parameters 0-2 each; total 0-10, higher = worse. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.