Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI)

In the setting of a patient diagnosed with PE, the PESI can be utilized to determine mortality and long term morbidity. For those determined to be very low risk (score ≤ 65), all studies showed a 30-day mortality <2%. In the validation, low risk (Class I and II) had a 90-day mortality of 1.1%. The non-inferiority trial demonstrated Class I and II could have been treated as outpatients assuming no other issues.

The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) is a risk stratification tool that has been externally validated to determine the mortality and outcome of patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary embolism (PE).

In the setting of a patient with renal failure or severe comorbidities, clinical judgement should be used over the PESI, as these patients were excluded in the validation study.

• The PESI score determines risk of mortality and severity of complications.
• The score does not require laboratory variables.
• It is meant to aid in decision making, not replace it. Clinical judgement should always take precedence.
• The PESI score determines clinical severity and can influence treatment setting for management of PE.
  • Class I and II patients may possibly be safely treated as outpatients in the right clinical setting.

The PESI is designed to risk stratify patients who have been diagnosed with a PE in order to determine the severity of their disease. This can help physicians make decisions on the management of those patients who could potentially be treated as out-patient, as well as raise concern for those who are determined to be high-risk and could benefit from higher levels of care.