CURB-65 Calculator

Assess pneumonia severity and determine hospitalization need using CURB-65 criteria

CURB-65 Assessment

Altered mental status or disorientation not present at baseline

Score: 0 points

Blood urea nitrogen level (1 point if >19 mg/dL or >6.8 mmol/L)

breaths/min

Breathing rate (1 point if ≥30 breaths per minute)

1 point if systolic <90 mmHg or diastolic <60 mmHg

years

Patient age (1 point if ≥65 years old)

CURB-65 Results

1
CURB-65 Score
(Range: 0-5)
2.7%
Mortality Risk
30-day mortality
Low Risk
Risk Category
Pneumonia severity

Score Breakdown

Confusion
0
BUN
0
RR
0
BP
1
Age
0

Treatment Recommendation

Outpatient Treatment

Low mortality risk (2.7%): Patient can be treated as outpatient with oral antibiotics and close follow-up.

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not replace clinical judgment. The CURB-65 score is a guidance tool for pneumonia management. Always consider the patient's overall clinical condition, comorbidities, and social factors when making treatment decisions. Consult with healthcare professionals for all medical decisions.

Example Calculation

Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patient

Confusion: No (Score: 0)

BUN: 25 mg/dL (Score: 1 - >19 mg/dL)

Respiratory Rate: 32 breaths/min (Score: 1 - ≥30)

Blood Pressure: 105/70 mmHg (Score: 0 - normal)

Age: 72 years (Score: 1 - ≥65 years)

Result

CURB-65 Score: 0 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 1 = 3

Mortality Risk: 14.0%

Recommendation: Hospitalization Required

CURB-65 Criteria

C

Confusion

New onset mental confusion

U

Urea

BUN >19 mg/dL (>6.8 mmol/L)

R

Respiratory Rate

≥30 breaths per minute

B

Blood Pressure

SBP <90 or DBP <60 mmHg

65

Age

≥65 years old

Mortality Risk & Management

Score 0-1
Outpatient
0.6-2.7%
Score 2
Consider admission
6.8%
Score 3
Hospitalize
14.0%
Score 4-5
Consider ICU
27.8%

Understanding CURB-65 Score

What is CURB-65?

CURB-65 is a validated clinical prediction rule for assessing the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It helps clinicians determine the appropriate treatment setting (outpatient vs. hospital vs. ICU) and estimate mortality risk.

Clinical Applications

  • Pneumonia severity assessment
  • Hospitalization decision making
  • Mortality risk stratification
  • Treatment intensity guidance

Score interpretation

Score 0-1: Low Risk

Outpatient treatment appropriate

Score 2: Moderate Risk

Consider short-stay hospitalization

Score 3-5: High Risk

Hospitalization required, consider ICU for 4-5

Note: CURB-65 is specifically validated for community-acquired pneumonia. Consider clinical judgment, comorbidities, and social factors in treatment decisions.