SOFA score

SOFA Score is a scoring system primarily used in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to track a patient's status during the stay in the hospital. The score is based on six different scores, one each for the respiratory, cardiovascular, hepatic, coagulation, renal and neurological systems.

Overview

The SOFA Score, also known as the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score, is used to track a patient's status during the stay in an ICU. It is a simple, but effective method, that enables the health care providers to determine the extent of a person's organ function or rate of failure. The score is based on six different scores, one each for the respiratory, cardiovascular, hepatic, coagulation, renal and neurological systems.

Calculation

The SOFA Score is calculated based on six different parameters, each representing an organ system. The parameters are as follows:

• Respiratory system: This is based on the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, with a score ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe dysfunction).
• Cardiovascular system: This is based on the mean arterial pressure or the use of vasopressors, with a score ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe dysfunction).
• Hepatic system: This is based on the level of bilirubin in the blood, with a score ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe dysfunction).
• Coagulation system: This is based on the number of platelets in the blood, with a score ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe dysfunction).
• Renal system: This is based on the level of creatinine in the blood or urine output, with a score ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe dysfunction).
• Neurological system: This is based on the Glasgow Coma Scale, with a score ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe dysfunction).

Usage

The SOFA Score is primarily used in the ICU to determine the extent of a person's organ function or rate of failure. This can help to predict the patient's outcome and to decide on further treatment strategies.

Limitations

While the SOFA Score is a valuable tool in assessing the severity of organ dysfunction in critically ill patients, it has its limitations. It is not intended to be used as the sole criteria for diagnosing or treating a patient, but rather as a part of a comprehensive clinical assessment.

See Also

• APACHE II
• SAPS II
• MODS
• LODS
• SIRS
• qSOFA

SOFA score Resources
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