CURB-65
The severity of community-acquired pneumonia can be assessed by using the CURB-65 score (1 point for each):
- Confusion
- Urea >7mmol/L
- Respiratory rate ≥ 30/min
- BP < 90 systolic and/or 60mmHg diastolic
- Age ≥ 65
Score:
- 0-1 home treatment possible
- 2 hospital therapy
- ≥ 3 indicates severe pneumonia
Treatments depend on the score, and there are usually local hospital guidelines to follow.
The score can also be used to predict 30-day mortality:
Score
- 0 – 0.6%
- 1 – 3.2%
- 2 – 13%
- 3 – 17%
- 4 – 41.5%
- 5 – 57%
CRB-65
A modified version of the score, known as CRB-65 is often performed in general practice to assess the need for hospital admission. This omits ht urea measurement:
- Confusion
- Respiratory rate ≥ 30/min
- BP < 90 systolic and/or 60mmHg diastolic
- Age ≥ 65
In this modified version, a score of 1-2 indicated likely hospital admission, and 3+ indicated urgent hospital admission.
