What does AIMS65 stand for?

AIMS65 is an acronym for the five criteria: Albumin 1.5, altered Mental status, Systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg, and age ≥ 65 years.

How does AIMS65 compare to the Glasgow-Blatchford Score?

AIMS65 and the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) have similar accuracy for predicting in-hospital mortality. GBS is better at predicting the need for intervention (transfusion, endoscopic hemostasis, surgery), while AIMS65 is simpler and faster to calculate. Many centers use both together.

What in-hospital mortality rates correspond to each score?

From the original Saltzman et al. validation: score 0 → ~0.3%; score 1 → ~1.2%; score 2 → ~5.3%; score 3 → ~10.3%; score 4 → ~16.5%; score 5 → ~24.5%. These are population-level estimates; individual outcomes vary.

What counts as altered mental status for AIMS65?

Any disorientation, stupor, or coma qualifies. A GCS < 14 or a positive confusion assessment are commonly used thresholds in practice. Document the mental status explicitly at initial assessment.

Can I use AIMS65 for lower GI bleeding?

No. AIMS65 was developed and validated exclusively for upper GI bleeding (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). For lower GI bleeding, consider the Oakland Score or other validated tools.

Is this calculator a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This tool is for educational purposes only. AIMS65 scores must be interpreted by qualified clinicians in the full clinical context. Never use a score alone to guide treatment, disposition, or triage decisions.

AIMS65 Score

Name: AIMS65 Score
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter five clinical variables to calculate the AIMS65 score and estimate in-hospital mortality risk for upper GI bleeding.

AIMS65 Criteria

Check each criterion that is present at initial assessment.

Albumin < 3.0 g/dL

Serum albumin below 3.0 g/dL on admission

INR > 1.5

International Normalized Ratio greater than 1.5

Altered Mental Status

Disorientation, stupor, or coma (GCS < 14)

Systolic BP ≤ 90 mmHg

Hypotension on presentation

Age ≥ 65 years

Patient is 65 years of age or older

Check the criteria on the left and click Calculate Score to see the result.

AIMS65 Score Reference Table

Mortality estimates from Saltzman et al. 2011, Am J Gastroenterol

Score	Risk Category	Est. In-Hospital Mortality	Suggested Approach
0	Very Low	~0.3%	Consider early discharge or outpatient endoscopy
1	Low	~1.2%	Inpatient observation; elective endoscopy
2	Moderate	~5.3%	Admit; endoscopy within 24 hours
3	High	~10.3%	Admit; consider urgent endoscopy
4	Very High	~16.5%	ICU or HDU; urgent endoscopy
5	Critical	~24.5%	ICU; emergent endoscopy; multidisciplinary team

Summary

Enter five clinical variables to calculate the AIMS65 score and estimate in-hospital mortality risk for upper GI bleeding.

How it works

Assess each of the five clinical criteria from the patient's initial presentation.
Assign one point for each criterion that is present.
Sum the points to obtain the AIMS65 score (0–5).
Higher scores correspond to greater in-hospital mortality risk.
Use the risk category and estimated mortality to guide triage and disposition decisions.
Always interpret results alongside the full clinical picture — this score supplements, not replaces, clinical judgment.

Use cases

Triage patients presenting to the emergency department with hematemesis or melena.
Guide ICU versus general ward admission decisions for UGIB patients.
Identify high-risk patients who may need urgent endoscopy within 12 hours.
Communicate objective risk estimates during handover between ED and GI teams.
Stratify patients in clinical research on upper GI bleeding outcomes.
Educate medical students and residents on systematic UGIB risk assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed by Nham Vu