Modified pulmonary index score (MPIS) and indication of hospitalization for acute asthma exacerbation in children

Abstract

Introduction The modified pulmonary index score (MPIS) has been estimated as a reliable assessment tool for children with acute asthma exacerbation. Objective To evaluate the usefulness of MPIS as an indicator of hospitalization in acute asthma exacerbation of children. Method MPIS values were measured in 154 asthmatic children (median age 5 years (1-15); 110 males and 44 females) at outpatient emergency department from November 2014 to November 2015. MPIS was calculated by adding the sum of scores for 6 items (scores of 0-3 were given for each item). These consisted of heart rate, respiratory rate, accessory muscle use, inspiratory-to-expiratory flow ratio, degree of wheezing, and oxygen saturation in room air. Measurements were made at visits and at hospitalization until discharge. All of the raters previously completed training with the originally developed digital learning software for the MPIS. Result 39 out of 154 asthmatic children were hospitalized, and the average of the MPIS was 9.7 point. The cut-off point was considered to be 7 or >7, with sensitivity of 74.3% and specificity 84.3%, respectively. This means 74.3% of children with acute exacerbation of asthma with MPIS > 7 points were hospitalized, while 84.3% with MPIS Conclusion MPIS is a useful assessment tool in deciding whether to hospitalize for children with acute asthma exacerbation.