Ottawa COPD Risk Scale
Predicts 30-day serious adverse events (SAEs) in patients with AECOPD presenting to the emergency department. Score ≥1 associated with significantly increased SAE risk.
Score interpretation
Score 0 — 30-day SAE rate ~2.2%
→ Consider discharge with close outpatient follow-up; ensure adequate medication supply and education
Score 1–3 — 30-day SAE rate ~15–20%
→ Admission or extended ED observation; reassess after treatment
Score ≥4 — 30-day SAE rate >30%
→ Hospital admission; close monitoring; consider HDU; early NIV if indicated; respiratory specialist review
Interpretation bands for the Ottawa COPD. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Stiell IG et al. COPD Management in the Emergency Department — the Ottawa COPD Risk Scale. Chest. 2011;140(6):1353–1361.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Azithromycin (COPD Exacerbation Prophylaxis) · Macrolide antibiotic (anti-inflammatory / prophylactic)
- Doxycycline (COPD Exacerbation / CAP) · Oral tetracycline antibiotic
- Co-amoxiclav 625mg (COPD Exacerbation / CAP) · Beta-lactam / Beta-lactamase inhibitor combination antibiotic
- Labetalol (IV — Hypertensive Emergency) · Combined Alpha-1 and Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
- Labetalol (IV — Hypertensive Emergency) · Combined alpha and beta blocker
- Tenecteplase · Cardiovascular Emergency
- 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.