Precise estimation of respiratory function is essential to optimise neonatal respiratory care.

However, current clinical scores have not been validated with quantitative measures of respiratory function.

The aim of this study was to develop a physiological scoring system to predict low respiratory dynamic compliance of <0.6 ml/cmH2O/kg.

Forty-four newborn infants were studied before (dynamic compliance) and shortly after scheduled extubation (physiological signs).

A novel scoring system was developed based on the association between physiological signs and dynamic compliance.