BISAP Score Calculator — Acute Pancreatitis Severity Assessment
The BISAP (Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis) Score is a simple, validated scoring system for early risk stratification of patients with acute pancreatitis. It assesses five variables within the first 24 hours of presentation to predict mortality risk.
About
The BISAP Score (Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis) was introduced in 2008 as a simple, efficient tool for early risk stratification in acute pancreatitis. It uses five binary variables: Blood Urea Nitrogen >25 mg/dL, Impaired Mental Status (GCS <15), Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), Age ≥60 years, and Pleural Effusion on imaging. Each variable contributes 1 point for a total of 0-5. A score of 0-2 indicates mild pancreatitis with <2% mortality, while 3-5 indicates severe pancreatitis with 10-20% mortality. The score has comparable accuracy to more complex scoring systems like Ranson and APACHE II.
Formula
BISAP Score = BUN >25 (1) + GCS <15 (1) + SIRS (1) + Age ≥60 (1) + Pleural Effusion (1)
Each criterion met adds 1 point to the total BISAP score (range 0-5). BUN >25 mg/dL, impaired mental status (GCS <15), presence of SIRS criteria, age ≥60 years, and pleural effusion on imaging. Score 0-2: mild disease. Score 3-5: severe disease with significantly higher mortality risk.
Score Interpretation
The BISAP Score is a valuable tool for early risk stratification in acute pancreatitis. It can be calculated within the first 24 hours of hospitalization using readily available clinical and laboratory data. Its simplicity makes it suitable for use in emergency departments, wards, and ICUs. Early identification of high-risk patients (score ≥3) allows for timely ICU admission, aggressive resuscitation, and close monitoring for complications.
Mild — 0–2
BISAP Score 0-2. Mild pancreatitis with <2% mortality risk.
Management: Supportive care with IV fluids and monitoring.
Severe — 3–5
BISAP Score 3-5. Severe pancreatitis with 10-20% mortality risk.
Management: ICU admission, aggressive fluid resuscitation, CT imaging, monitor for organ failure.
Reference Ranges
| Population | Normal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acute pancreatitis patients | 0-5 | Score ≥3 indicates severe disease |
Dr. Khaled Hassan
Dr. Khaled is a cardiology consultant with experience in acute cardiac care.
View medical review board & editorial policy →Example Calculation
A 65-year-old male with acute pancreatitis: BUN 28 (1), GCS 15 (0), SIRS present (1), age ≥60 (1), pleural effusion present (1). BISAP = 1+0+1+1+1 = 4 — severe pancreatitis requiring ICU admission.
Related Conditions
Common Mistakes
Calculating BISAP after 24 hours of admission
BISAP should ideally be calculated within the first 24 hours for accurate early risk stratification.
Using BISAP for chronic pancreatitis assessment
BISAP is validated only for acute pancreatitis, not chronic pancreatitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does BISAP compare to Ranson criteria?
Can a BISAP score of 0-2 rule out severe pancreatitis?
References
- Wu BU, Johannes RS, Sun X, et al. The early prediction of mortality in acute pancreatitis: a large population-based study. Gut. 2008;57(12):1698-1703. PubMed
- Banks PA, Bollen TL, Dervenis C, et al. Classification of acute pancreatitis — 2012 revision of the Atlanta classification. Gut. 2013;62(1):102-111. PubMed