The Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) Score and Its Use in Outcome Prediction: A Scoping Review of the Pediatric Literature

Abstract

The Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) score is a neurologic assessment score. Its benefit over pre-existing scores is its evaluation of brainstem reflexes and respiratory pattern. Our goal was to perform a scoping systematic review of the literature on the application of the FOUR score within pediatric patients. Six databases were searched and 2 reviewers independently screened the results. The initial search yielded 1709 citations; ultimately, 6 studies composed of 571 pediatric patients were used. Four studies examined interobserver reliability of the FOUR score and found it to be good to excellent. All 6 studies demonstrated equivalency of the FOUR score and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in predicting outcome. The existing literature suggests the FOUR score is equivalent to GCS in outcome prediction in pediatric patients; its true superiority over the GCS has not yet been established. It displays good to excellent inter-rater reliability among physicians and nurses.