The Blast Lung Injury Severity Score (BLISS) is a clinical calculator used in the assessment of patients who have been exposed to a blast injury, specifically focusing on lung injury. This scoring system is particularly applicable to military personnel, victims of terrorist attacks, or individuals involved in industrial accidents where an explosion has occurred.
The BLISS is used to quantify the severity of a blast lung injury, which can help guide treatment decisions and provide prognostic information. It takes into account factors such as the patient's oxygenation, lung compliance, and the presence of pneumothorax or hemothorax.
Exclusion criteria for the use of the BLISS include patients who have not been exposed to a blast injury, or those with pre-existing lung conditions that could confound the assessment of a new blast injury. It's also important to note that the BLISS should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive clinical assessment, and not as a standalone diagnostic tool.
Reference
R Pizov, A Oppenheim-Eden, I Matot et al. Blast lung injury from an explosion on a civilian bus. Chest. 1999 Jan;115(1):165-72.
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