qSOFAlaskelmat

qSOFA, or quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, is a scoring system used to identify patients with suspected infection who are at risk of developing severe sepsis or septic shock. It is a simplified version of the full SOFA score and is designed to be used at the bedside without laboratory tests. The qSOFA score consists of three components: respiratory rate of 22 or more breaths per minute, altered mental status (Glasgow Coma Scale < 15), and systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or lower.

Each component present contributes one point to the qSOFA score, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 3. A qSOFA score of 2 or higher is considered to indicate a higher likelihood of poor outcomes, including increased mortality and longer hospital stays. It serves as an early warning sign, prompting clinicians to consider sepsis and initiate appropriate management.

While the qSOFA score is a rapid and easily applicable tool, it has limitations. It is not a diagnostic criterion for sepsis itself but rather a risk stratification tool. Studies have shown varying sensitivities and specificities of qSOFA in different patient populations and settings. Therefore, it should be used in conjunction with clinical judgment and other available information, including the full SOFA score if indicated, to guide patient care. The qSOFA score is intended to be a prompt for further evaluation and intervention, not a definitive diagnosis.