Sepsis continues to kill children around the world. The death of a child with sepsis in New York State resulted in a state-wide mandate for sepsis care in 2013 (JAMA 2018;320:358-67). This mandate was later found to be associated with lower risk of mortality from pediatric sepsis. Since then, other states have promulgated similar mandates. Survival from sepsis depends on early diagnosis and timely intervention, preferably before septic shock occurs. Yet, clinicians often fail to recognize sepsis in time to prevent deterioration to septic shock. In this volume of The Journal, Scott et al derived and validated the first prediction model for pediatric septic shock. They used variables that are easily available from the electronic health records and are known upon arrival to the emergency department, including the initial vital signs. The model, which was developed using a modern predictive algorithm, strongly discriminated the risk of septic shock and added predictive value to initial clinician suspicion of sepsis. The model can be incorporated in the electronic health records to automate the stratification of the risk of pediatric shock. Stratification of the risk of pediatric shock will allow for timely intervention before deterioration occurs. It is a critical step toward the prevention of death from pediatric sepsis. The prediction model by Scott et al is a positive step toward this direction. Article page 145 ▸ Development and Validation of a Predictive Model of the Risk of Pediatric Septic Shock Using Data Known at the Time of Hospital ArrivalThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 217PreviewTo derive and validate a model of risk of septic shock among children with suspected sepsis, using data known in the electronic health record at hospital arrival. Full-Text PDF