🫁 DECAF Score (COPD Exacerbation)
Predict in-hospital mortality in acute COPD exacerbation with the DECAF score.
Clinical takeaway
0–1 low, 2–3 intermediate, 4–6 high mortality.
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When to use
Risk-stratify hospitalised COPD exacerbations.
How it works
Dyspnoea (eMRCD 5a 1 / 5b 2), Eosinopenia (1), Consolidation (1), Acidaemia pH < 7.30 (1), atrial Fibrillation (1). 0–6.
Key points
- 0–1 low, 2–3 intermediate, 4–6 high mortality.
- Helps guide level of care and treatment ceilings.
- Uses data available on admission.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Extended MRC Dyspnoea Scale | eMRCD ≤ 4 (0) |
|---|---|
| Eosinopenia (< 0.05 ×10⁹/L) | No |
| Consolidation on CXR | No |
| Acidaemia (pH < 7.30) | No |
| Atrial fibrillation | No |
→DECAF0/6
- Interpretation：Low mortality risk
| Extended MRC Dyspnoea Scale | 5b — also needs help washing/dressing (2) |
|---|---|
| Eosinopenia (< 0.05 ×10⁹/L) | Yes (+1) |
| Consolidation on CXR | Yes (+1) |
| Acidaemia (pH < 7.30) | Yes (+1) |
| Atrial fibrillation | Yes (+1) |
→DECAF6/6
- Interpretation：High mortality risk — consider escalation/early discussion.
Frequently asked questions
- What is DECAF Score (COPD Exacerbation)?
- Predict in-hospital mortality in acute COPD exacerbation with the DECAF score.
- How is DECAF Score (COPD Exacerbation) calculated? What is the core formula?
- Dyspnoea (eMRCD 5a 1 / 5b 2), Eosinopenia (1), Consolidation (1), Acidaemia pH < 7.30 (1), atrial Fibrillation (1). 0–6.
- When is DECAF Score (COPD Exacerbation) used?
- Risk-stratify hospitalised COPD exacerbations.
- What are the key clinical points for DECAF Score (COPD Exacerbation)?
- 0–1 low, 2–3 intermediate, 4–6 high mortality. Helps guide level of care and treatment ceilings. Uses data available on admission.
- What are the limits and cautions when using DECAF Score (COPD Exacerbation)?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is DECAF Score (COPD Exacerbation) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Extended MRC Dyspnoea Scale eMRCD ≤ 4 (0), Eosinopenia (< 0.05 ×10⁹/L) No, Consolidation on CXR No, Acidaemia (pH < 7.30) No, Atrial fibrillation No → Result: DECAF 0 /6（Interpretation: Low mortality risk） Inputs: Extended MRC Dyspnoea Scale 5b — also needs help washing/dressing (2), Eosinopenia (< 0.05 ×10⁹/L) Yes (+1), Consolidation on CXR Yes (+1), Acidaemia (pH < 7.30) Yes (+1), Atrial fibrillation Yes (+1) → Result: DECAF 6 /6（Interpretation: High mortality risk — consider escalation/early discussion.）