Anaesthesia / Critical Care Strong — derived from 13,152 ICU patients across Europe and North America

SAPS II Score

Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) predicts ICU mortality using 17 variables collected within 24h of admission. Widely used in European ICUs.

Age*

Heart Rate (worst in 24h)*

Systolic BP (worst in 24h)*

Temperature (worst in 24h)*

PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio (if on mechanical ventilation or CPAP)*

Urine Output (L/day)*

Urea (BUN) — worst in 24h*

White Cell Count (worst in 24h)*

Potassium (worst in 24h)*

Sodium (worst in 24h)*

Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) — worst in 24h*

Bilirubin (worst in 24h)*

GCS (worst in 24h)*

Chronic Disease*

Admission Type*

Score interpretation

Low Risk — < 10% predicted mortality 0–29

SAPS II < 30: Low predicted ICU mortality.

→ Standard ICU monitoring. Organ-specific treatment. Daily reassessment.

Moderate Risk — ~10–25% predicted mortality 30–39

SAPS II 30–39: Moderate predicted ICU mortality.

→ Close monitoring. Identify and treat organ failure. Goals-of-care discussion if deteriorating.

High Risk — ~25–50% predicted mortality 40–52

SAPS II 40–52: High predicted ICU mortality.

→ Intensive organ support. Multidisciplinary review. Goals-of-care discussion with patient/family.

Very High Risk — > 50% predicted mortality 53–163

SAPS II ≥ 53: Very high predicted ICU mortality.

→ Goals-of-care and end-of-life planning essential. Palliative care involvement. Maximal or comfort-focused care per patient wishes.

Interpretation bands for the SAPS II. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Le Gall JR, Lemeshow S, Saulnier F. A new Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) based on a European/North American multicenter study. JAMA. 1993;270(24):2957–2963.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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