Table 1 Clinical scoring system, modified from Ohnesorge et al. (1998): The highest score given in each subcategory counts as maximum points for this subcategory, maximum points of subcategories are summed up to gain the total score number

1. Coughing

No cough after manual compression of larynx

0

1

from history, spontaneously or induced

1

2. Dyspnoea at rest

moderately increased abdominal effort

1

3

Nostril flare

3

Hypertrophy of abdominal muscles

3

3. Percussion lung field

>1 hand increase

1

2

>2 hands increase

2

4. Lung auscultation

Wheezes and crackles

2

2

5. Endoscopy

Significantly increased secretions with moderate viscosity

1

2

Highly increased secretions with high viscosity

2

Marked thickening of tracheal bifurcation [52]

1

6. BALF cytology

Neutrophils <8%

0

3

Neutrophils 8–15%

1

Neutrophils 15–25%

2

Neutrophils >25%

3

7. Blood gas analysis

PAO₂-PaO₂: 0–7 mmHg

0

2

PAO₂-PaO₂: 7–14 mmHg

1

PAO₂-PaO₂: >14 mmHg

2