The Vesikari Score (often called the Ruuska–Vesikari clinical severity score) is a standardized tool used to grade the severity of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children, originally developed for rotavirus vaccine trials and widely used in clinical research and surveillance. Path+2OUP Academic+2
It summarizes illness severity across seven parameters that reflect symptom intensity and clinical impact:
- Maximum stools in 24 hours
- Duration of diarrhea (days)
- Maximum vomiting episodes in 24 hours
- Duration of vomiting (days)
- Maximum temperature
- Dehydration severity
- Treatment / disposition (rehydration, hospitalization) Path+1
Each parameter contributes points, producing a total score from 0 to 20 (higher = more severe). Path+1
Interpretation (classic Vesikari categories)
Common cutoffs used for triage/research interpretation are:
- < 7 = Mild
- 7–10 = Moderate
- ≥ 11 = Severe Path+2PMC+2
Important note: The Vesikari score supports severity stratification and communication, but it does not replace clinical judgment or local dehydration/shock pathways—especially in very young infants or children with comorbidities.
Vesikari Score (Acute Gastroenteritis Severity) Calculator
Decision support only. Always assess hydration status, shock, red flags, and follow local pediatric AGE pathways.
Inputs
Buckets (rectal equivalent): <37.1=0 • 37.1–38.4=1 • 38.5–38.9=2 • ≥39.0=3
Classic scale assigns no “1-point” level for dehydration.
Definitions vary by setting; align with your local protocol/usage.
