Item | Definition | |
---|---|---|
1 | PaO2/FiO2 ratioa ≤ 300 mmHg | Deterioration in gas exchange over last 24 h in the absence of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema or pulmonary disease |
2 | Sputum changes | A change in sputum characteristics, increased volume, or colour changes (yellow or green) |
3 | Chest X-ray infiltrates | New localised or diffuse infiltrates on a single Chest X-ray (not explained by cardiogenic pulmonary oedema or pulmonary disease) |
4 | Inflammatory response | ≥ 1 of the following (in the absence of immunocompromise) |
a ↑ Temperature | New and persistent (last 24 h) elevated body temperature ≥ 38 °C (or > 37.5 °C if concurrent anti-pyretic medication administration) | |
b WCC | White cell count ≤ 4 or ≥ 12 cells 109/L for 2 days | |
c ↑ Inflammation | Elevated serum inflammatory markers: C-reactive Protein (> 100 mg/L) or Procalcitonin (> 2.5 ng/L) for a single blood test |