DOWNES SCORE

Score

Cyanosis

Air entry

Grunt

Retraction

0
1

Respiratory
rate
<60/min
60-80/min

Nil
In room air

Normal
Mild

Nil
Mild

>80/min

In>40%

Marked

None
Ausc with
sthethoscop
e
Audible with
naked ear

Moderate

A score >6 is indicate of impending respiratory failure

References:
Wood DW, Downes JJ, Locks HI. A clinical score for the diagnosis of respiratory
failure. Amer J Dis Child 1972;123:227-9.