The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Noninvasive Ventilation Outcomes (NIVO) score

Predicts in-hospital mortality in COPD exacerbations requiring noninvasive ventilation.

Noninvasive Ventilation Outcomes (NIVO) score
Extended MRC Dyspnoea (eMRCD)
5a = too breathless to leave the house but independent in washing/dressing; 5b = also dependent for washing/dressing.
Time from admission to acidaemia >12 h
pH <7.25
Atrial fibrillation
Glasgow Coma Scale ≤14
Chest radiograph consolidation
Result0 points

Low risk — in-hospital mortality about 5%.

Risk group mortality
in-hospital mortality about 5%.

When to use

  • Prognostication at the onset of NIV for an acute hypercapnic COPD exacerbation.
  • Supporting shared decisions about ceiling of care and escalation planning.

Formula

One point each for eMRCD 5a, time to acidaemia >12 h, pH <7.25, atrial fibrillation, GCS ≤14, and CXR consolidation; eMRCD 5b scores 2 (5a and 5b are mutually exclusive). Range 0–9.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Derived and validated specifically in COPD patients receiving assisted ventilation, not general respiratory failure.
  • A high score flags poor prognosis but should complement, not replace, clinical judgement about escalation.

References

  1. Hartley T, Lane ND, Steer J, et al. Eur Respir J. 2021;58(2):2004042.