Gupta Postoperative Pneumonia Risk Score
Predicts risk of postoperative pneumonia requiring antibiotics or respiratory support within 30 days of non-cardiac surgery. Developed from the American College of Surgeons NSQIP database.
Score interpretation
→ Gupta Low Risk: <1% postoperative pneumonia risk. Standard perioperative care; incentive spirometry; early ambulation; adequate analgesia for deep breathing.
→ Gupta Moderate Risk: 1–5% postoperative pneumonia risk. Preoperative chest physiotherapy; smoking cessation ≥4 weeks; optimise COPD/asthma; early mobility post-op; chest physio; HDU consideration.
→ Gupta High Risk: >5% pneumonia risk. Pulmonology review pre-op; lung-protective ventilation; ICU post-op; prophylactic chest physio; aggressive early mobilisation. Consider whether surgery benefit outweighs respiratory risk.
Interpretation bands for the Gupta Pneumonia Risk. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Rivaroxaban (Perioperative VTE Prophylaxis) · Direct Oral Anticoagulant — VTE Prophylaxis Post-Surgery
- Tranexamic Acid (ICU/Trauma/Surgical) · Antifibrinolytic
- Protamine Sulphate (Heparin Reversal) · Heparin Reversal / Cardiac Surgery
- Ephedrine Hydrochloride 0.5% Nasal Drops · Nasal decongestant — sympathomimetic (perioperative / ENT use)
- Cefuroxime · Second-Generation Cephalosporin — Respiratory / Surgical Prophylaxis
- Lefamulin · Pleuromutilin Antibiotic (Community-Acquired Pneumonia)
- Acute Asthma in Adults · BTS/SIGN British Guideline on Asthma 2019; NICE NG80
- Pulmonary Embolism Assessment · NICE NG158; ESC 2019 PE Guidelines
- Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) · NICE NG115; GOLD 2024
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Adult) · BTS Pleural Disease 2023
- Atypical Pneumonia (Legionella / Mycoplasma / Chlamydophila) · BTS 2023; IDSA
- COPD Exacerbation Management · NICE NG115 / GOLD 2024
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.