Paediatrics / Respiratory
Westley Croup Score
Severity assessment for acute laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) — guides management from mild (outpatient) to impending respiratory failure (intubation).
0
0/17Mild Croup
0/5 domains answered
Stridor
Chest Wall Retractions
Air Entry
Cyanosis
Level of Consciousness
Westley Croup Score
0/17
0251117
Mild Croup (Score 0/17)
Mild
0–2
Moderate
3–5
Severe
6–11
Resp. Failure
≥12
Management \u2014 Mild Croup
- 1Single dose oral dexamethasone 0.15–0.6 mg/kg (usual 0.15 mg/kg)
- 2Discharge with safety-netting advice
- 3Encourage fluids, comfort measures
- 4Return if stridor at rest, increased work of breathing, or drooling
Age-Weight Dexamethasone Dosing Reference
| Age | Est. Weight | 0.15 mg/kg | 0.6 mg/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 7–8 kg | 1–1.2 mg | 4.2–4.8 mg |
| 1 year | 10 kg | 1.5 mg | 6 mg |
| 2 years | 12 kg | 1.8 mg | 7.2 mg |
| 3 years | 14 kg | 2.1 mg | 8.4 mg |
| 4 years | 16 kg | 2.4 mg | 9.6 mg |
| 5 years | 18 kg | 2.7 mg | 10.8 mg |
Dexona / Decadron oral solution: 0.5 mg/mL. Injection: 4 mg/mL. Budecort nebulisation: 2 mg as alternative.
Based on Westley CR et al. Am J Dis Child 1978. Enhanced with clinical pearls by Dr Sumit Mandal.