The Bova Score is a clinical calculator used in the management of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). It is specifically designed to stratify the risk of adverse outcomes in patients diagnosed with PE, including the risk of early death or complications within 30 days of diagnosis. The Bova Score takes into account factors such as age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and the presence of right ventricular dysfunction or myocardial injury.
This scoring system is particularly useful in guiding treatment decisions, such as whether a patient requires hospitalization or can be managed as an outpatient, and whether more aggressive therapies are needed.
The Bova Score is not applicable to patients without a confirmed diagnosis of PE, or those with chronic PE. It should also be used with caution in patients with other severe comorbidities that could independently increase their risk of adverse outcomes.
Reference
Carolina Fernández, Carlo Bova, Olivier Sanchez et al. Validation of a Model for Identification of Patients at Intermediate to High Risk for Complications Associated With Acute Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolism. Chest. 2015 Jul;148(1):211-218.
Open reference URL