[Pulmonary embolism: the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) score and mortality predictors]

pulmonary embolism is a real public health problem because of its high morbidity and mortality rate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of PESI score on the prognosis of pulmonary embolism.

we conducted a retrospective study of 146 cases of formally confirmed embolism. Pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) score was calculated for the entire study population. The patients were divided into 2 groups: a low-risk group (LR) comprising patients in risk classes I and II: 83 patients; a high-risk group (HR) comprising patients in risk classes III, IV and V: 63 patients; the primary endpoint of the study (MACE) was the occurrence of shock, the need for mechanical ventilation, and the occurrence of in-hospital death.

total in-hospital mortality was 15.1%, significantly higher in the HR group (25.4% versus 7.2%, p=0.001). In logistic regression analysis, being in the HR group (OR=5.1; 95% CI: [1,637 - 16,093]; p=0.005)) and having renal impairment (OR=4.5; 95% CI: [1.457 - 14.075]; p=0.009) were the independent factors for the occurrence of MACE. After a mean follow-up of 18 ± 8 months, there were more deaths in the HR group (68.4% versus 33%, p=0.004).

the results of our study show that the PESI score is correlated with the severity of PE. This should encourage the widespread use of this risk score.