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Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) for VAP
Assists in identifying ventilator-associated pneumonia in intubated patients.
Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) for VAP
Temperature
Blood leukocytes (per mm3)
Tracheal secretions
Oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2)
Chest radiograph
Progression of infiltrate
Culture of tracheal aspirate
Result0 points
Score of 6 or less makes ventilator-associated pneumonia less likely; reassess if the clinical picture changes.
- Total score
- 0
When to use
- Supporting the clinical diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients.
Formula
Sum points across temperature, leukocytes, tracheal secretions, oxygenation, chest radiograph, radiographic progression, and tracheal aspirate culture. A total >6 suggests VAP.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Culture and radiographic-progression items require repeat data, so the full score is typically completed at 48-72 hours.
- Sensitivity and specificity are modest; use as an adjunct to clinical judgement rather than a stand-alone test.