FortifyMDDECAF Score
Can be used to predict mortality from COPD exacerbations.
A commonly used score is the DECAF (Dyspnoea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidaemia, and atrial Fibrillation).
A score of 0 conveys an inpatient mortality of \<1% compared to score of 5, which had an inpatient mortality of 70%. A score of ≤1 can be used to help decide which patients are suitable for outpatient treatment.
| Variable | Score |
|---|---|
| Dyspnea | |
| eMRCD 5a | 1 |
| eMRCD 5b | 2 |
| Eosinopenia (<0.05×109/l) | 1 |
| Consolidation | 1 |
| Acidaemia (pH <7.3) | 1 |
| Atrial fibrillation | 1 |
| Total DECAF Score | 6 |
Dyspnea (eMRCD 5a) is defined as:
Too breathless to leave the house, but not breathless when dressing or undressing.
Dyspnea (eMRCD 5b) is defined as:
Too breathless to leave the house and breathless when dressing or undressing.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A common progressive disorder characterized by airway obstruction (FEV1 <80% predicted; FEV1/FVC <0.7; see p162 and table 4.5) with little or no reversibility. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
In acute diabetic ketoacidosis, the body cannot use glucose effectively due to a lack of insulin, so pushing the body into a starvation-like state where ketoacidosis is the only mechanism of energy production.