CURB-65 Score Calculator
C - Confusion
New onset disorientation in person, place, or time
U - Urea
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level
R - Respiratory Rate
Respiratory rate per minute
B - Blood Pressure
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
65 - Age
Patient's age in years
* Select the appropriate criteria for each category. The CURB-65 score ranges from 0-5 points and helps assess pneumonia severity and mortality risk.
About CURB-65 Score
The CURB-65 score is a clinical prediction rule that has been validated for predicting mortality in community-acquired pneumonia. It was developed to help clinicians make decisions about hospitalization and treatment intensity.
CURB-65 Criteria
- C - Confusion: New onset disorientation in person, place, or time
- U - Urea: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) > 19 mg/dL (> 7 mmol/L)
- R - Respiratory Rate: ≥ 30 breaths per minute
- B - Blood Pressure: Systolic BP < 90 mmHg OR Diastolic BP ≤ 60 mmHg
- 65 - Age: ≥ 65 years old
Score Interpretation
| CURB-65 Score | Risk Level | 30-day Mortality | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Low Risk | 1.5% | Consider outpatient treatment |
| 2 | Moderate Risk | 9.2% | Consider short hospital stay or closely supervised outpatient treatment |
| 3-5 | High Risk | 22% | Hospitalization recommended, consider ICU if score ≥ 4 |
Clinical Application
The CURB-65 score is widely used in emergency departments and primary care settings to:
- Assess severity of community-acquired pneumonia
- Guide treatment location decisions (outpatient vs. inpatient)
- Identify patients who may need intensive care
- Standardize pneumonia severity assessment across healthcare providers
Limitations
- Developed specifically for community-acquired pneumonia
- May not be applicable to immunocompromised patients
- Should be used in conjunction with clinical judgment
- Other factors such as comorbidities and social circumstances should also be considered
Important Note: This calculator is designed for educational and informational purposes only. Clinical decisions should always be made by qualified healthcare professionals taking into account the complete clinical picture, patient preferences, and available resources. The CURB-65 score should be used as a guide alongside clinical judgment, not as a replacement for it.
CURB-65 Score Calculator Version 1.0
Published: June 05, 2025
Last Updated: June 05, 2025
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