decaf_score_copd: DECAF Score for Acute Exacerbation of COPD

In cliot: Clinical Indices and Outcomes Tools

DECAF Score for Acute Exacerbation of COPD

Description

Calculates the DECAF score to predict in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with an acute exacerbation of COPD. The score is based on Dyspnea (eMRCD), Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia, and Atrial Fibrillation.

Usage

decaf_score_copd(emrcd_5a_5b, eosinophils, consolidation, ph_value,
                 atrial_fibrillation)

Arguments

emrcd_5a_5b	Numeric (0 or 1). Extended MRC Dyspnea Score 5a (too breathless to leave house) or 5b (breathless dressing/undressing). (1 = Yes, +1 point).
eosinophils	Numeric. Eosinophil count in x10^9/L. (< 0.05 adds +1 point).
consolidation	Numeric (0 or 1). Consolidation present on Chest X-ray. (1 = Yes, +1 point).
ph_value	Numeric. Arterial or Venous pH. (< 7.30 adds +1 point).
atrial_fibrillation	Numeric (0 or 1). Atrial Fibrillation present on admission ECG or history. (1 = Yes, +1 point).

Value

A list containing:

DECAF_Score	The calculated score (Range 0-5).
Risk_Group	Classification (Low 0-1, Intermediate 2, High 3-5).
In_Hospital_Mortality	Estimated in-hospital mortality rate.

References

Steer J, Gibson J, Bourke SC. The DECAF Score: predicting hospital mortality in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax. 2012;67(11):970-976. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-202103

Examples

# Example 1: High Risk
# eMRCD 5b (1), Eos 0.02 (1), Consolidation (1), pH 7.35 (0), AFib (0)
# Score = 3
decaf_score_copd(1, 0.02, 1, 7.35, 0)

# Example 2: Low Risk
# eMRCD 4 (0), Eos 0.2 (0), No consolidation (0), pH 7.4 (0), No AFib (0)
# Score = 0
decaf_score_copd(0, 0.2, 0, 7.4, 0)

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