Predicting CAP-related mortality with CRB-65.

摘要

Ewig et al axe. to be commended for their very large study of 388 406 patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in German hospitals from 2005 to 2006. Using the CRB-65 tool (confusion, respiratory rate 2:30 min, low blood pressure (either systolic <90 mm Hg or diastolic <=60 mm Hg) and age >=65 years), the authors found 30-day mortality rates of 2.4,13.4 and 34.4% in those with 0 points, 1-2 points and 3-4 points, respectively. As a result, the authors promote this tool as being accurate for predicting CAP-related deaths. However, while this appears impressive, it is notable that of the >54 700 deaths, only 29.0% were classed as high risk, whereas 68.1% were only intermediate risk and 2.8% were low risk.