Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score
Combines clinical signs, imaging and culture to support the diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
When to use
Ventilated adults with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia, as support and not a substitute for culture.
Pearls and pitfalls
- The score adds temperature, white cells, tracheal secretions, oxygenation, radiograph and culture.
- A value of 6 or more suggests pneumonia, but performance varies with population and unit.
- Culture and prior antibiotics change the score; interpret in the context of clinical course.
- The score does not replace radiologic assessment or adequate microbiological sampling.
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Formula
Sum the six components, each scored 0 to 2, for a total of 0 to 12.
Evidence
Score derived in ventilated patients to combine clinical and microbiological findings of nosocomial pneumonia.
References
- Pugin J, Auckenthaler R, Mili N, Michel JP, de Mendonca R, Lew PD, Suter PM. Diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia by bacteriologic analysis of bronchoscopic and nonbronchoscopic blind bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1991;143(5 Pt 1):1121-1129. doi:10.1164/ajrccm/143.5_pt_1.1121
Frequently asked questions
What is Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score?
Combines clinical signs, imaging and culture to support the diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Ventilated adults with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia, as support and not a substitute for culture.
How is the result calculated?
Sum the six components, each scored 0 to 2, for a total of 0 to 12.
How should the result be interpreted?
Score derived in ventilated patients to combine clinical and microbiological findings of nosocomial pneumonia.
What are the sources?
Pugin J, Auckenthaler R, Mili N, Michel JP, de Mendonca R, Lew PD, Suter PM. Diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia by bacteriologic analysis of bronchoscopic and nonbronchoscopic blind bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1991;143(5 Pt 1):1121-1129.