CPS — Canadian Pediatric Society
GINA — Global Initiative for Asthma
KDIGO — Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes
KNCPP — Kuwait National Child Protection Program
NASPGHAN — North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
PES — Pediatric Endocrine Society
PIDS — Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
NTSP — National Tracheostomy Safety Project
AAP — American Academy of Pediatrics
NRP — Neonatal Resuscitation Program
AARC — American Association for Respiratory Care
AUA — American Urological Association
BTF — Brain Trauma Foundation
CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ELSO — Extracorporeal Life Support Organization
EMA — European Medicines Agency
ESPGHAN — European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
EULAR — European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology
FDA — US Food and Drug Administration
AHA — American Heart Association
IDSA — Infectious Diseases Society of America
ASHP — American Society of Health‑System Pharmacists
ANMF — Australasian Neonatal Medicines Formulary
ESC — European Society of Cardiology
ISMP — Institute for Safe Medication Practices
SIDP — Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists
AES — American Epilepsy Society
EAN — European Academy of Neurology
PNS — Peripheral Nerve Society
RCPCH — Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK)
ILAE — International League Against Epilepsy
ISPAD — International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes
BTS — British Thoracic Society (UK)
NAEMSP — National Association of EMS Physicians (US)
NICE — National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK)
WHO — World Health Organization
DRACMA — Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy (WAO)
WAO — World Allergy Organization
ACR — American College of Rheumatology
APSA — American Pediatric Surgical Association
BSH — British Society for Haematology
CSTE — Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (US)
EAACI — European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
EAU — European Association of Urology
ECCO — European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation
ESPID — European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases
ILCOR — International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
NAEPP — National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (US)
NCS — Neurocritical Care Society
NHLBI — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (US)
RCS — Royal College of Surgeons (UK)
SSC — Surviving Sepsis Campaign
UHMS — Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
AAO‑HNS — American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
BNF — British National Formulary (UK)
LITFL — Life in the Fast Lane (clinical education site)
ATLS — Advanced Trauma Life Support (course)
APLS — Advanced Paediatric Life Support (course)
AAF — amino acid formula
ABC — airway, breathing, circulation
ABCDE — airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure
ABG — arterial blood gas
ABO — ABO blood‑group system
ACE — angiotensin‑converting enzyme (inhibitor)
ACS — acute chest syndrome; also American College of Surgeons (trauma)
ADAMTS13 — von Willebrand factor‑cleaving protease (ADAMTS13)
ADHD — attention‑deficit / hyperactivity disorder
AED — automated external defibrillator; also antiepileptic drug
aEEG — amplitude‑integrated electroencephalography
AEIOU — alcohol, epilepsy, insulin, opioids/overdose, uremia (coma mnemonic)
AGEP — acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
AHI — apnea–hypopnea index
AHO — acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
AHT — abusive head trauma
aHUS — atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
AKI — acute kidney injury
ALT — alanine aminotransferase
ALTE — apparent life‑threatening event
AMPLE — allergies, medications, past history, last meal, events (history mnemonic)
AMR — antimicrobial resistance
AMS — altered mental status
ANC — absolute neutrophil count
AOM — acute otitis media
APGAR — Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration (score)
APML — acute promyelocytic leukemia
aPTT — activated partial thromboplastin time
ARDS — acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARF — acute rheumatic fever
ASD — atrial septal defect
AST — aspartate aminotransferase
ATOMAC — Arizona‑Texas‑Oklahoma‑Memphis‑Arkansas Consortium (pediatric trauma guidelines)
ASH — American Society of Hematology
ASO — antistreptolysin O
ATA — American Thyroid Association
ATP — adenosine triphosphate
AUC — area under the (concentration–time) curve
AV — atrioventricular
AVM — arteriovenous malformation
AVPU — alert / voice / pain / unresponsive (conscious‑level scale)
AVSD — atrioventricular septal defect
B19 — parvovirus B19
BSA — body surface area
B symptoms — lymphoma constitutional symptoms (Ann Arbor staging): unexplained fever > 38 °C, drenching night sweats, weight loss > 10%
BCG — bacille Calmette–Guérin (vaccine)
BID — twice daily
BMI — body mass index
BNP — B‑type natriuretic peptide
BP — blood pressure
BRUE — brief resolved unexplained event
BSPED — British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
BUN — blood urea nitrogen
BWPS — Burch–Wartofsky Point Scale (for thyrotoxicosis)
BXO — balanitis xerotica obliterans
C1‑INH — C1‑esterase inhibitor
C3, C4 — complement components 3 and 4
CAH — congenital adrenal hyperplasia
CAP — community‑acquired pneumonia
CBC — complete blood count
CCHD — critical congenital heart disease
CD46 — membrane cofactor protein (complement regulator)
CDH — congenital diaphragmatic hernia
CFU — colony‑forming units
CH50 — total hemolytic complement
CHD — congenital heart disease
CICO — can't intubate, can't oxygenate
CK — creatine kinase
CKD — chronic kidney disease
CMC — children with medical complexity
CMPA — cow's milk protein allergy
CMV — cytomegalovirus
CNO — chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis
CNS — central nervous system
CO — carbon monoxide
COG — Children’s Oncology Group
COHb — carboxyhemoglobin
CPAP — continuous positive airway pressure
CPEG — Canadian Pediatric Endocrine Group
CPR — cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CRMO — chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis
CRP — C‑reactive protein
CRASH‑2 / CRASH‑3 — Clinical Randomisation of an Antifibrinolytic in Significant Haemorrhage trials (tranexamic acid in trauma / head injury)
CRRT — continuous renal replacement therapy
CSF — cerebrospinal fluid
CT — computed tomography
CVC — central venous catheter
CVID — common variable immunodeficiency
CVS — cardiovascular system
CXR — chest radiograph (chest X‑ray)
CYP2D6 — cytochrome P450 2D6 (codeine/tramadol metabolism)
D10 — 10% dextrose
DAT — direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test
DDAVP — desmopressin
DEFG — don't ever forget glucose (coma mnemonic)
DIC — disseminated intravascular coagulation
DIVA — difficult intravenous access
DKA — diabetic ketoacidosis
DL — direct laryngoscopy
DMD — Duchenne muscular dystrophy
DNase — deoxyribonuclease (dornase alfa)
DOPES — displacement, obstruction, pneumothorax, equipment, stomach (sudden deterioration of a ventilated child)
DRESS — drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms
DSD — difference / disorder of sex development
DTaP — diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (pediatric)
EBV — Epstein–Barr virus
ECG — electrocardiogram
ECMO — extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
ECPR — extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
ED — emergency department
EEG — electroencephalogram
eGFR — estimated glomerular filtration rate
EHF — extensively hydrolyzed formula
EMLA — eutectic mixture of local anesthetics
ENT — ear, nose and throat (otolaryngology)
ERCP — endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ESBL — extended‑spectrum β-lactamase
ESETT — Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial
ESC‑NOW — Eat, Sleep, Console approach for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal (trial)
ESR — erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ET — endotracheal (route)
ETT — endotracheal tube
EVD — external ventricular drain
eFAST — extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (adds lung views for pneumothorax)
FAST — Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (bedside ultrasound for free fluid)
FBC — full blood count
FEIBA — factor eight inhibitor bypassing activity
FFP — fresh frozen plasma
FHH — familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia
FiO₂ — fraction of inspired oxygen
FIS — flexible intubation scope
FN — febrile neutropenia
FPE — food protein‑induced enteropathy
FPIAP — food protein‑induced allergic proctocolitis
FPIES — food protein‑induced enterocolitis syndrome
FTT — failure to thrive
FVC — forced vital capacity
G6PD — glucose‑6‑phosphate dehydrogenase
GA²LEN — Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (anaphylaxis criteria)
GAS — group A Streptococcus
GBS — group B Streptococcus; also Guillain–Barré syndrome
GCS — Glasgow Coma Scale
GER — gastroesophageal reflux
GERD — gastroesophageal reflux disease
GFR — glomerular filtration rate
GGT — gamma‑glutamyl transferase
GH — growth hormone
GI — gastrointestinal
GIR — glucose infusion rate
GJ — gastrojejunal (tube)
GU — genitourinary
H2‑antagonist — histamine H2‑receptor antagonist
HA — hypoallergenic (partially hydrolyzed formula label)
HAE — hereditary angioedema
HAST — hypoxia‑altitude simulation test
HbA1c — glycated hemoglobin
HBO — hyperbaric oxygen
HBV — hepatitis B virus
HCN — hydrogen cyanide
HCO₃⁻ — bicarbonate
HCT — hematocrit
HDU — high‑dependency unit
HEEADSSS — Home, Education, Eating, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide, Safety (adolescent interview)
HFNC — high‑flow nasal cannula
HHS — hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
HHV‑6 — human herpesvirus 6
HIV — human immunodeficiency virus
HLA — human leukocyte antigen
HLH — hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
HME — heat and moisture exchanger
HR — heart rate
HSP — Henoch–Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis)
HSV — herpes simplex virus
HUS — hemolytic uremic syndrome
IABP — intra‑aortic balloon pump
IBD — inflammatory bowel disease
IBI — invasive bacterial infection (bacteremia or bacterial meningitis)
ICP — intracranial pressure
ICU — intensive care unit
ID — infectious diseases
IDM — infant of a diabetic mother
IE — infective endocarditis
IEI — inborn errors of immunity
IEM — inborn error of metabolism
IgA — immunoglobulin A
IgE — immunoglobulin E
IgG — immunoglobulin G
IgM — immunoglobulin M
IGRA — interferon-γ release assay
IM — intramuscular
iNO — inhaled nitric oxide
INR — international normalized ratio
IO — intraosseous
IPNA — International Pediatric Nephrology Association
ITP — immune thrombocytopenia
IU — international units
IUGR — intrauterine growth restriction
IV — intravenous
IVA — isovaleric acidemia
IVIG — intravenous immunoglobulin
JAK — Janus kinase (inhibitor)
JIA — juvenile idiopathic arthritis
JVP — jugular venous pressure
KCl — potassium chloride
KCNQ2, SCN2A — neonatal‑onset epilepsy genes
KPCC — Kuwait Poison Control Center
LAD — leukocyte adhesion deficiency
LCHADD — long‑chain 3‑hydroxyacyl‑CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
LDH — lactate dehydrogenase
LFTs — liver function tests
LGMD — limb‑girdle muscular dystrophy
LGA — large for gestational age
LMA — laryngeal mask airway
LMWH — low‑molecular‑weight heparin
LP — lumbar puncture
LOC — loss of consciousness
LR — likelihood ratio
LRINEC — Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (score)
LTV — long‑term ventilation
LV — left ventricle / ventricular
MAP — mean arterial pressure
MAS — macrophage activation syndrome
MCAD — medium‑chain acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
MCP — membrane cofactor protein (CD46)
MDRO — multidrug‑resistant organism
MEDIF — airline Medical Information Form
MEN — multiple endocrine neoplasia
MenACWY — quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (serogroups A, C, W, Y)
MenB — serogroup B meningococcal vaccine
MEP — maximal expiratory pressure
MIC — minimum inhibitory concentration
MIP — maximal inspiratory pressure
min — minutes
MIRM — Mycoplasma pneumoniae‑induced rash and mucositis
MIS‑C — multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
MMA — methylmalonic acidemia
MMR — measles, mumps and rubella (vaccine)
MMRV — measles–mumps–rubella–varicella vaccine
MRCP — magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
MRI — magnetic resonance imaging
MRP — most responsible physician
MRSA — methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MSSA — methicillin‑susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
MTP — massive transfusion protocol
MSUD — maple syrup urine disease
NAAT — nucleic acid amplification test
NAC — N‑acetylcysteine
NaCl — sodium chloride
NAGS — N‑acetylglutamate synthase
NAI — non‑accidental injury
NEC — necrotizing enterocolitis
NEJM — The New England Journal of Medicine
NEWS2 — National Early Warning Score 2
NG — nasogastric
NGT — nasogastric tube
NICU — neonatal intensive care unit
NIF — negative inspiratory force
NIV — non‑invasive ventilation
NJT — nasojejunal tube
NK — natural killer (cell)
NMS — neuroleptic malignant syndrome
NPA — nasopharyngeal airway
NPO — nil per os (nothing by mouth)
NSAID — non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug
NT‑proBNP — N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide
NTM — nontuberculous mycobacteria
ODT — orally disintegrating tablet
OGT — orogastric tube
OHP — 17‑hydroxyprogesterone (17‑OHP)
OI — oxygenation index
OME — otitis media with effusion
OPA — oropharyngeal airway
OPV — oral poliovirus vaccine
OR — odds ratio
ORS — oral rehydration solution
ORT — oral rehydration therapy
OSA — obstructive sleep apnea
OSI — oxygenation saturation index
PA — propionic acidemia; also posteroanterior (radiograph view)
PALF — pediatric acute liver failure
PALS — Pediatric Advanced Life Support
PaO₂ — arterial partial pressure of oxygen
PARDS — pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome
PAS — Pediatric Appendicitis Score
PAT — Pediatric Assessment Triangle
PCR — polymerase chain reaction
PCT — procalcitonin
PDA — patent ductus arteriosus
PE — phenytoin equivalents
PEA — pulseless electrical activity
PECARN — Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network
PED‑TRAX — Pediatric Trauma and Tranexamic Acid study (observational)
PEEP — positive end‑expiratory pressure
PEG — percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
PEN‑FAST — penicillin‑allergy risk‑assessment score
PEP — post‑exposure prophylaxis
PEWS — Pediatric Early Warning Score
PH — portal hypertension
PICC — peripherally inserted central catheter
PICS‑p — post‑intensive care syndrome — pediatric
PICU — pediatric intensive care unit
PIGN — post‑infectious glomerulonephritis
PJP — Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
PLP — pyridoxal‑5‑phosphate
PMA — postmenstrual age
PNPO — pyridox(am)ine 5′‑phosphate oxidase (deficiency)
PO — by mouth (oral)
POC — portable oxygen concentrator
POCUS — point‑of‑care ultrasound
PPHN — persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
PPI — proton pump inhibitor
PPV — positive‑pressure ventilation
PR — per rectum (rectal route); also PR interval on ECG
PRAM — Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure
PRBC — packed red blood cells
PRN — as required (pro re nata)
PROPPR — Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios trial
PSG — polysomnography
PSGN — post‑streptococcal glomerulonephritis
PT — prothrombin time
PTH — parathyroid hormone
PTHrP — parathyroid hormone‑related peptide
PTSD — post‑traumatic stress disorder
PTU — propylthiouracil
PUCAI — Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index
PVC — premature ventricular contraction
PVR — pulmonary vascular resistance
pVT — pulseless ventricular tachycardia
QID — four times daily
QRS — QRS complex (ECG)
QT — QT interval (ECG)
QTc — corrected QT interval
RADT — rapid antigen detection test
RAPD — relative afferent pupillary defect
RBC — red blood cell
RBS — random blood sugar
RBUS — renal and bladder ultrasound
RCA — right coronary artery
RCT — randomized controlled trial
RDS — respiratory distress syndrome
rFVIIa — recombinant activated factor VII
RIG — rabies immunoglobulin
RIME — reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption
RLQ — right lower quadrant
ROSC — return of spontaneous circulation
ROTEM — rotational thromboelastometry
RR — respiratory rate
RSI — rapid sequence intubation
RSV — respiratory syncytial virus
RT — respiratory therapist
RV — right ventricle
s — seconds
SA — septic arthritis
SBP — systolic blood pressure
SC — subcutaneous
SCAR — severe cutaneous adverse reaction (RegiSCAR / J‑SCAR criteria)
SCFE — slipped capital femoral epiphysis
sCD25 — soluble CD25 (soluble interleukin‑2 receptor‑α)
SCID — severe combined immunodeficiency
SCIWORA — spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality
SGA — small for gestational age
SIADH — syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
SIDS — sudden infant death syndrome
SIP — spontaneous intestinal perforation
SIPA — shock index, pediatric age‑adjusted
sJIA — systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
SJS — Stevens–Johnson syndrome
SOPA — suction, open mouth, pressure increase, airway alternative (NRP corrective steps)
SpO₂ — peripheral oxygen saturation
SPUR — severe, persistent, unusual, recurrent (immunodeficiency pattern)
SSSS — staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
SSTI — skin and soft‑tissue infection
STAT — immediately (statim)
STEC — Shiga toxin–producing E. coli
STI — sexually transmitted infection
SVC — superior vena cava
SVR — systemic vascular resistance
SVT — supraventricular tachycardia
T1DM — type 1 diabetes mellitus
T2DM — type 2 diabetes mellitus
T3 / T4 — triiodothyronine / thyroxine
TB — tuberculosis
TBI — traumatic brain injury
TBSA — total body surface area
TBW — total body water
TCA — tricyclic antidepressant
TcB — transcutaneous bilirubin
Tdap — tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (adolescent/adult)
TEN — toxic epidermal necrolysis
TEN‑4‑FACESp — bruising clinical decision rule (Torso, Ears, Neck in a child ≤ 4 y or any bruise < 4 months; Frenulum, Angle of jaw, Cheek, Eyelid, Sclera; patterned)
TEG — thromboelastography
TFI — total fluid intake
TID — three times daily
TIF — tracheo‑innominate fistula
TIPS — transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
TLS — tumor lysis syndrome
TM — tympanic membrane
TMA — thrombotic microangiopathy
TMP‑SMX — trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole
TOF — tetralogy of Fallot
tPA — tissue plasminogen activator
TRAb — TSH‑receptor antibody
TREC — T‑cell receptor excision circle
TREKK — Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids
TSB — total serum bilirubin
TSH — thyroid‑stimulating hormone
TSI — thyroid‑stimulating immunoglobulin
TTE — transthoracic echocardiography
TTP — thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
TTS — tight‑to‑shaft (tracheostomy cuff)
TWIST — Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion (score)
TXA — tranexamic acid
UCD — urea cycle disorder
ULN — upper limit of normal
UTI — urinary tract infection
Vd — volume of distribution
VA — venoarterial (ECMO)
VAD — ventricular assist device
VATS — video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery
VCUG — voiding cystourethrogram
VF — ventricular fibrillation
VKDB — vitamin K deficiency bleeding
VL — videolaryngoscopy
VLCADD — very‑long‑chain acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
VP — ventriculoperitoneal (shunt)
VRE — vancomycin‑resistant enterococci
VSD — ventricular septal defect
VT — ventricular tachycardia
VTE — venous thromboembolism
VUR — vesicoureteral reflux
VV — venovenous (ECMO)
VZV — varicella‑zoster virus
WBC — white blood cell (count)
WOB — work of breathing
WPW — Wolff–Parkinson–White (syndrome)
.
in a child with suspected infection (≥ 2 points = sepsis; sepsis with ≥ 1 cardiovascular point = septic shock).
and 
(LITFL ECG Library).
.
.
or 
.
.
.
(validated 2–17 yr) or PASS (Pediatric Asthma Severity Score) — with SpO₂ on room air, work of breathing, and ability to speak or feed; reassess and re‑score after each step.
.
.