Kampala Trauma Score: Clinical Guide

Overview

Calculates the Kampala Trauma Score using age, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, neurological status and number of serious injuries. The calculator is intended to make the underlying equation transparent while preserving the requirement for clinical assessment and source-data verification.

Clinical Significance

The Kampala Trauma Score was developed for resource-limited trauma settings. Higher scores indicate less severe injury. Definitions and cut-offs should match the locally adopted version.

When to Use

• Support trauma severity assessment where advanced anatomical scoring is unavailable.
• Use the first documented observations.
• Apply the exact local definitions of serious injury and neurological response.

How It Is Calculated

• The score sums categorical points for age, systolic pressure, respiratory rate, neurological status and serious-injury count.
• MedicalC validates required values, applies the stated equation and rounds only the displayed result.
• Review intermediate measurements and assumptions whenever the result appears discordant with the clinical picture.

Interpretation

• The Kampala Trauma Score was developed for resource-limited trauma settings. Higher scores indicate less severe injury. Definitions and cut-offs should match the locally adopted version.
• Interpret trends only when the same technique, units and clinical conditions are reasonably comparable.

Worked Example

Enter the required measurements in the displayed units. MedicalC applies: The score sums categorical points for age, systolic pressure, respiratory rate, neurological status and serious-injury count. Confirm the result against the original observations before using it in a clinical decision.

Patient Considerations

• Consider age, body size, pregnancy, organ support, medication, rhythm, ventilation, measurement conditions and acute physiological change where relevant.
• Use the earliest reliable values for prognostic trauma scores unless the score definition specifies otherwise.
• Repeat calculations only when a changed result could influence care and the source data remain valid.

Limitations

• Several versions and reporting conventions exist.
• It is not interchangeable with ISS, RTS or TRISS.
• Local validation and staff training are required.

Clinical Pearls

• Treat the calculator as a transparent equation, not an autonomous recommendation.
• Record the exact time and method of important measurements.
• Resolve a clinically implausible result by checking inputs before assuming unusual physiology.

Common Mistakes

• Entering values in the wrong unit.
• Combining measurements obtained at different clinical time points.
• Applying a published threshold outside its validated population or setting.
• Allowing a score to delay urgent treatment.

Evidence Base

The calculator implements the stated published or established relationship. Principal source: Kobusingye OC, Lett RR. Hospital-based trauma registries in Uganda. J Trauma. 2000.

References

1. Kobusingye OC, Lett RR. Hospital-based trauma registries in Uganda. J Trauma. 2000. — Primary publication, authoritative guideline or recognised specialty source.