Bisap Score

Acute pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Proper assessment of its severity is crucial for timely medical intervention and management. The BISAP Score Calculator is a clinical tool that helps predict the risk of mortality and severity of acute pancreatitis based on five key factors:

1. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) > 25 mg/dL
2. Impaired Mental Status (Glasgow Coma Scale <15)
3. Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)
4. Age > 60 years
5. Pleural Effusion Present on Imaging

The higher the BISAP score, the greater the risk of complications and mortality in acute pancreatitis patients.

How to Use the BISAP Score Calculator?

Follow these steps to determine the BISAP score:

1. Enter the Patient’s BUN Level – Input the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) value in mg/dL.
2. Check for Altered Mental Status – If the patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is below 15, select “Yes.”
3. Determine SIRS Presence – Check if the patient has at least two of the following SIRS criteria:
   • Temperature >38°C or <36°C
   • Heart rate >90 bpm
   • Respiratory rate >20 breaths per minute
   • WBC count >12,000/mm³ or <4,000/mm³
4. Input Patient’s Age – If the patient is older than 60 years, mark “Yes.”
5. Check for Pleural Effusion – If present on chest imaging, mark “Yes.”
6. Click ‘Calculate’ – The tool will generate the BISAP score based on these factors.

Interpreting the BISAP Score Results

The BISAP score ranges from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater severity and higher mortality risk:

• Score 0-1 (Low Risk): Mortality risk <1% – Patients usually recover without major complications.
• Score 2 (Moderate Risk): Mortality risk 2-3% – Hospital monitoring recommended.
• Score 3-5 (High Risk): Mortality risk 15-20% – Requires intensive care and possible surgical intervention.

Higher scores indicate a higher chance of complications such as organ failure, sepsis, and pancreatic necrosis.

Why is the BISAP Score Important?

✅ Helps identify high-risk patients early
✅ Guides doctors in deciding treatment plans
✅ Reduces unnecessary hospitalizations for low-risk cases
✅ Improves patient outcomes by ensuring timely intervention

For example, a 55-year-old patient with acute pancreatitis and a BUN level of 28 mg/dL, SIRS, and pleural effusion would have a BISAP score of 3, indicating a significant risk of complications requiring immediate intensive care.

Limitations of the BISAP Score

❌ Does not replace clinical judgment – Other factors like CT imaging, lab results, and patient history should also be considered.
❌ May not be accurate for all pancreatitis cases – Additional scoring systems like Ranson’s Criteria or APACHE II may provide further insights.

FAQs

1. What is the BISAP score used for?

It helps predict the severity and mortality risk of acute pancreatitis based on five clinical parameters.

2. Is the BISAP score accurate?

Yes, it has been clinically validated, but doctors also use additional tests and imaging for a complete assessment.

3. Can a BISAP score of 2 be dangerous?

A score of 2 indicates moderate severity, requiring close monitoring, but the risk of mortality remains low.

4. How is acute pancreatitis treated?

Treatment includes IV fluids, pain management, nutritional support, and sometimes surgical intervention for complications.

5. What is the highest possible BISAP score?

The maximum BISAP score is 5, which signifies severe pancreatitis with high mortality risk.