CURB-65 score

The CURB-65 score is a clinical prediction rule that has been validated for predicting mortality in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The name CURB-65 is an acronym for each of the risk factors measured. These include: Confusion of new onset (defined as an AMTS of 8 or less), Urea greater than 7 mmol/L, Respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute or greater, Blood pressure less than 90 systolic or diastolic blood pressure 60 or less, and age 65 or older. This scoring system is used in the adult population, specifically those diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. The CURB-65 score helps clinicians decide the appropriate level of medical care for a patient with CAP, whether that be home treatment, hospitalization, or intensive care. The CURB-65 score may not be suitable for use in patients with certain conditions that could independently affect the score variables, such as chronic respiratory or kidney disease. It also may not be appropriate for use in immunocompromised patients, as their clinical presentation and disease course may differ from the general population.

Reference

W S Lim, M M van der Eerden, R Laing et al. Defining community acquired pneumonia severity on presentation to hospital: an international derivation and validation study. Thorax. 2003 May;58(5):377-82.