The CURB-65 score estimates mortality of community-acquired pneumonia to help us determine whether inpatient vs. outpatient management is best for the patient. Each of the 5 parameters in CURB-65 is awarded 1 point for a maximum of 5 total points.
CURB-65
Confusion
Uremia: BUN > 19 mg/dL (> 7 mmol/L)
Respiratory Rate ≥ 30
BP: Systolic BP < 90 mmHg or Diastolic BP ≤ 60 mmHg
≥ 65 years of age.
** BUN > 19 is almost ≥20 for easy memorization.
CURB-65 or alternatively CRB-65
Interpreting the CURB-65 score.
0 or 1 = Low risk; consider home treatment
2 = Short inpatient hospitalization or closely supervised outpatient treatment
3, 4, or 5 = Severe pneumonia; hospitalize and consider admitting to intensive care
Interpreting the CRB-65 score.
0 = Low risk; consider home treatment
1 or 2 = Increased risk of death; consider hospitalization
3 or 4 = Severe pneumonia (high risk of death); urgently hospitalize and consider admitting to intensive care.
PDF version here.