Patent ID: 6193654
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: A61B,G16H

Abstract:
A computerized method of making an on-line determination of illness-severity of a neonatal patient in a predetermined time span, by using a software program and optimal weighted measurement values of a predetermined `n` number of on-line parameters from the patient being monitored, said parameters relating to n measurable predetermined physical conditions, said method comprising the steps of:(a) obtaining, in said predetermined time span from the neonatal patient being monitored, a plurality of measured values of each of said n physical conditions and producing, using the software program, a single optimal value from said plurality of measured values for each of n measured physical conditions wherein the n physical conditions include mean blood pressure and urine output;(b) using said software program, obtaining from said single optimal value a modified weighted partial score, thus generating n modified weighted partial scores for n on-line parameters from the patient being monitored; and(c) summing the n modified weighted partial scores to provide an indication of on-line illness-severity of the neonatal patient, which on-line severity indication can be displayed and compared with other known values, said summing including, if the neonatal patient is prematurely born, at least one additional parameter defined as a function of at least one of birth weight, smallness for gestational age and Apgar.