qSOFApisteet

qSOFApisteet, or the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, is a simple bedside tool used to predict the risk of developing sepsis or dying from sepsis in patients outside of an intensive care unit. It is a modification of the full SOFA score, designed for faster assessment in non-critical care settings.

The qSOFA score is calculated based on three clinical criteria: respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute or greater, altered mental status (e.g., a Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 15), and systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or less. Each criterion met contributes one point to the score. Therefore, the qSOFA score can range from 0 to 3.

A qSOFA score of 2 or greater suggests a higher risk of poor outcomes, including mortality and prolonged hospital stay, in patients suspected of having an infection. It is important to note that qSOFA is a screening tool and not a diagnostic criterion for sepsis. A low qSOFA score does not rule out sepsis, and a higher score should prompt further clinical evaluation, including laboratory tests and consideration of the full SOFA score if the patient's condition deteriorates. The qSOFA score is intended to be a rapid indicator to identify patients who may require more aggressive management and monitoring for sepsis.