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CURB-65

Estimates the mortality of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and suggests inpatient vs. outpatient treatment. PSI is favored over CURB-65 by ATS/IDSA, but PSI is cumbersome to use — so many prefer CURB-65.

Antibiotic guideCommunity-Acquired Pneumonia
Low risk
Score 0–1 · ~1.5% 30-day mortality
Consider outpatient treatment
0pts
Confusion (new disorientation to person, place, or time)
Urea (BUN) >19 mg/dL (>7 mmol/L)
Respiratory rate ≥30 breaths/min
Low blood pressure (SBP <90 mmHg or DBP ≤60 mmHg)
Age ≥65 years
CURB-65: Lim WS, et al. Thorax. 2003;58(5):377–382 (British Thoracic Society). 30-day mortality figures vary by cohort — confirm against your source.

More CAP tools

IDSA/ATS ICU Criteria for CAPHelps determine the need for the ICU in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), as outlined by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) / IDSA. Meeting ≥3 minor criteria suggests ICU-level care.DRIP — Drug Resistance in PneumoniaAttempts to predict the risk of drug-resistant organisms (DRPs) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI)Helps determine risk of mortality from Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) and guides home vs. admit; PSI is favored over CURB-65 by ATS/IDSA but is cumbersome to use, resulting in many preferring CURB-65.