Lala et al reported a simple score for evaluating a patient hospitalized with acute heart failure. The orthoedema score measures 2 findings associated with congestion. The authors are from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Mt Sinai Hospital, Duke University, the Mayo Clinic, Washington University and Hennepin Medical Center.
Outcome: 60-day rates of death, rehospitalization or unscheduled visits
Parameters:
(1) number of pillows required
(2) peripheral edema
Parameter
Finding
Points
number of pillows
0 or 1
0
>= 2
2
peripheral edema
none or trace
0
moderate
1
severe
2
orthoedema score =
= SUM(points for the 2 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 4
Score
CHF Severity
Outcome
0
absent
50%
1 or 2
low grade
52%
3 or 4
high grade
68%
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