brescia_covid_severity: Brescia-COVID Respiratory Severity Scale (BCRSS)

In cliot: Clinical Indices and Outcomes Tools

Brescia-COVID Respiratory Severity Scale (BCRSS)

Description

Implements the Brescia-COVID Respiratory Severity Scale Algorithm. This stepwise approach helps triage COVID-19 patients based on respiratory symptoms, oxygenation status, and chest imaging to determine the appropriate level of respiratory support (Observation, O2, or NIV/Intubation).

Usage

brescia_covid_severity(wheezing_present, rr_gt_22_or_desat,
                       worsening_cxr_or_unstable)

Arguments

wheezing_present	Numeric (0 or 1). Is wheezing present on auscultation? (1 = Yes - suggests Asthma/COPD pathway).
rr_gt_22_or_desat	Numeric (0 or 1). Is Respiratory Rate > 22 bpm OR SpO2 < 90% on room air? (1 = Yes).
worsening_cxr_or_unstable	Numeric (0 or 1). Despite supplemental oxygen, is SpO2 < 90% OR is there significant worsening on Chest X-ray? (1 = Yes).

Value

A list containing:

BCRSS_Severity_Level	The calculated severity tier (0-3).
Management_Recommendation	Clinical guidance for respiratory support escalation.

References

Piva S, Filippini M, Turla F, et al. Clinical presentation and initial management of COVID-19 patients in Brescia, Italy. Anaesthesia. 2020.

Examples

# Example 1: High Severity (Need NIV/ICU)
# No wheeze, Tachypneic, Worsening despite O2
brescia_covid_severity(0, 1, 1)

# Example 2: Mild/Observation
# No wheeze, Normal RR/SpO2
brescia_covid_severity(0, 0, 0)

cliot documentation built on Dec. 1, 2025, 1:06 a.m.