Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI)
Continuing our theme from yesterday on PE scores, here is another very popular index in use, call Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI). A total point score for a given patient is obtained by summing the patient's age in years and the points for each applicable characteristic.
- Score Less than/= 65 is class I (very low risk)
- Score 66–85 is class II (low risk)
- Score 86–105 is class III (intermediate risk)
- Score 106–125 is class IV (high risk)
- Score more than 125 is class V (very high risk)
Predictors (Points Assigned in bracket)
Demographic characteristics
Age, (one point per yr Age)
Male sex (+10)
Comorbid illnesses
Cancer (+30)
Heart failure (+10)
Chronic lung disease (+10 )
Clinical findings
Pulse more than/= 110/min (+20)
Systolic BP less than 100 mm Hg (+30)
Respiratory rate more than/=30/min (+20)
Temperature less than 36°C (+20 )
Altered mental status* (+60)
Arterial oxygen saturation less than 90% ^ (+20)
* Defined as disorientation, lethargy, stupor, or coma.
^With and without the administration of supplemental oxygen
Reference: click to get article
1. Derivation and Validation of a Prognostic Model for Pulmonary Embolism, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 172. pp. 1041-1046, (2005)
