Pulmonary & infection

CURB-65

Adult community-acquired pneumonia severity and mortality risk categories.

Intended population: Adults with community-acquired pneumonia assessed in hospital.

Use the score with clinical judgment, oxygenation, comorbidity, frailty, oral intake, home circumstances, and follow-up.
A low score does not override hypoxemia, sepsis, or clinical instability. Not validated as a pediatric or hospital-acquired pneumonia score.

Adult community-acquired pneumonia confirmed

Age (years)

New disorientation or abbreviated mental test score ≤8

Blood urea (urea, not BUN) (mmol/L)

Respiratory rate (breaths/min)

Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)

Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)

Serious illness, cardiorespiratory instability, or other reason for urgent hospital assessment

Sources and scoring references

NICE NG250: pneumonia severity ↗

Implementation references reviewed October 28, 2026. Verify applicability and unusual or treatment-changing results against the linked references and local guidance.