The FeverPAIN score is a clinical calculator used for assessing the likelihood of streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat, in patients presenting with a sore throat. The acronym stands for Fever, Purulence (pus), Attend rapidly (within 3 days), severely Inflamed tonsils, and No cough or coryza (cold symptoms). Each of these criteria is given a score of 0 or 1, and the total score is used to estimate the probability of a streptococcal infection.
This calculator is applicable to patients of all ages who present with symptoms of a sore throat. The clinical utility of the FeverPAIN score is to guide clinicians in deciding whether to prescribe antibiotics for a sore throat, as antibiotics are only beneficial in cases of streptococcal pharyngitis.
There are no specific exclusion criteria for the use of the FeverPAIN score. However, it should be noted that this score does not replace clinical judgment and should be used in conjunction with a thorough clinical assessment. It may not be as accurate in patients with recurrent episodes of strep throat or in those who have recently taken antibiotics.
Reference
Paul Little, F D Richard Hobbs, David Mant et al. Incidence and clinical variables associated with streptococcal throat infections: a prospective diagnostic cohort study. Br J Gen Pract. 2012 Nov;62(604):e787-94.
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