qPitt Bacteremia Score — 30-Day Mortality Risk
The qPitt (quick Pitt) bacteremia score is a simplified version of the Pitt bacteremia score used to predict 30-day mortality in patients with Gram-negative bacteremia. It assesses five clinical parameters.
About
The qPitt bacteremia score was derived from the original Pitt bacteremia score to provide a simplified bedside tool for predicting mortality in patients with bacteremia. The original Pitt score was developed by Yu et al. in the 1980s and validated in multiple cohorts. The qPitt score uses temperature, blood pressure, mechanical ventilation status, mental status, and heart rate to stratify patients into low, moderate, and high mortality risk groups. A score of 0-1 indicates low risk (<5% mortality), 2-4 indicates moderate risk (5-15% mortality), and 5-7 indicates high risk (>15% mortality).
Formula
qPitt = Temp≤36/≥39.5 (1) + SBP<90 (2) + Mechanical ventilation (2) + Altered mental status (1) + HR>130 (1)
The qPitt score assigns points based on five criteria: Temperature ≤36°C or ≥39.5°C (1 point), Systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg (2 points), Mechanical ventilation (2 points), Altered mental status (1 point), Heart rate >130 bpm (1 point). Total ranges 0-7. Higher scores predict increased 30-day mortality.
Score Interpretation
The qPitt score is a validated predictor of 30-day mortality in patients with Gram-negative bacteremia. It helps clinicians identify high-risk patients who may benefit from ICU admission and aggressive management, while low-risk patients can be managed on medical wards.
Low Risk — 0–1
Low 30-day mortality risk (<5%).
Management: Standard antibiotic therapy and monitoring.
Moderate Risk — 2–4
Moderate 30-day mortality risk (5-15%).
Management: Source control, broad-spectrum antibiotics, close monitoring.
High Risk — 5+
High 30-day mortality risk (>15%).
Management: ICU admission, ID consultation, aggressive management.
Reference Ranges
| Population | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Patients with Gram-negative bacteremia | 0 (low risk) to 7 (high risk) |
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View medical review board & editorial policy →Example Calculation
A 70-year-old with E. coli bacteremia: Temp 40°C (1), SBP 85 (2), no mechanical ventilation (0), alert (0), HR 125 (0). qPitt = 1+2+0+0+0 = 3 (moderate risk).
Related Conditions
Related Medications
Common Mistakes
Using temperature 38.5°C as cutoff instead of 39.5°C.
The fever cutoff for qPitt is ≥39.5°C (not 38°C which is used for SIRS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can qPitt be used for Gram-positive bacteremia?
References
- Battle SE, et al. Derivation of a quick Pitt bacteremia score to predict mortality in patients with Gram-negative bloodstream infection. Infection. 2019;47(4):571-8.