Description

Kuo et al developed models for predicting death in moribund patients undergoing general surgery. These can help to advise family members on the risks faced by the patients. The authors are from the University of Pennsylvania.


 

Patient selection: moribund general surgical being operated on during the first 24 hours after admission >= 20 years of age

 

Types of surgery: chest wall/thoracotomy, vascular, abdominopelvic, skin/soft tissue

 

Outcome: death

 

Parameters:

(1) functional status

(2) ventilator dependent

(3) body mass index (BMI)

(4) type of surgery

 

Parameter

Findings

Points

functional status

fully dependent

2

 

partially or fully independent

0

ventilator dependent

no

0

 

yes

2

BMI

underweight

2

 

normal

2

 

overweight

0

 

obese

0

type of surgery

vascular

3

 

other

0

 

total score =

= SUM(points for all 4 parameters)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 9

• The higher the score the greater the risk of mortality.

Score

Mortality

0

20-26%

2

37-41%

3 or 4

55-63%

6 to 9

70%

 


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