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RAPID score for pleural infection

3-month mortality risk in pleural infection (empyema / complicated effusion).

RAPID score for pleural infection
Blood urea
Age
Pleural fluid appearance
Infection source
Serum albumin
Result0 points

Low risk group; 3-month mortality about 2 %.

Risk group
Low
3-month mortality
about 2 %

When to use

  • Prognosticating at presentation in adults with pleural infection.

Formula

Points from urea, age, purulence, infection source and albumin (range 0-7). Low 0-2, medium 3-4, high 5-7.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Prognostic only; it does not itself dictate drainage or surgical referral.

References

  1. Rahman NM, et al. Chest. 2014;145(4):848-855.
  2. Corcoran JP, et al (PILOT). Eur Respir J. 2020;56(5):2000130.