13 Mar 2025•Dr Zaid Ismail
Paediatric Vital Signs
Introduction Accurate assessment of vital signs in children is critical in detecting illness severity and guiding clinical decisions. Normal ranges vary significantly by age, making age-specific reference values essential. Visual...
Introduction
Accurate assessment of vital signs in children is critical in detecting illness severity and guiding clinical decisions. Normal ranges vary significantly by age, making age-specific reference values essential.
Visual Summary
| Age Group | Heart Rate | Respiratory Rate | Blood Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neonates | |||
| (0-28 days) | 120-160 | 30-60 | 60–80/40–50 |
| Infants | |||
| (1–12 months) | 100-160 | 25-50 | 70–100/50–65 |
| Toddlers | |||
| (1–3 years) | 90-150 | 20-30 | 80–110/55–70 |
| Preschool | |||
| (3–5 years) | 80-140 | 20-25 | 80–110/55–75 |
| School-Age | |||
| (6–12 years) | 70-120 | 15-25 | 90–120/60–80 |
| Adolescents | |||
| (13–18 years) | 60-100 | 12-20 | 100–120/65–85 |
Clinical Considerations
- Heart Rate: Elevated rates may indicate fever, dehydration, pain, or distress. Low rates may indicate serious illness, particularly in neonates and infants.
- Respiratory Rate: Elevated rates can suggest respiratory illness, metabolic disorders, or sepsis.
- Blood Pressure: Hypotension may indicate shock or severe illness, while hypertension requires investigation for renal or cardiovascular issues.
Summary
- Vital signs differ widely across age groups.
- Accurate assessment relies on knowing age-specific normal ranges.
- Deviations require prompt clinical evaluation and management.