Perioperative mortality risk score using pre- and postoperative risk factors in older patients

Abstract

We developed a risk score for 30-day postoperative mortality: the Perioperative Mortality risk score. We used a derivation cohort from a previous study of surgical patients aged 70 years or more at three large metropolitan teaching hospitals, using the significant risk factors for 30-day mortality from multivariate analysis. We summed the risk score for each of six factors creating an overall Perioperative Mortality score. We included 1012 patients and the 30-day mortality was 6%. The three preoperative factors and risk scores were ("three A's"): 1) age, years: 70 to 79=1, 80 to 89=3, 90+=6; 2) ASA physical status: ASA I or II=0, ASA III=3, ASA IV=6, ASA V=15; and 3) preoperative albumin <30..