What does the BISAP score predict?

The BISAP score predicts in-hospital mortality in acute pancreatitis. It does not directly predict organ failure or necrotizing pancreatitis, though higher scores correlate with more severe disease.

What is a high-risk BISAP score?

A BISAP score of 3 or higher is associated with substantially increased mortality (roughly 5–20%+ depending on the cohort). Scores of 0–2 carry a much lower mortality risk (under 1–2%).

What are the SIRS criteria used in BISAP?

SIRS requires 2 or more of: temperature >38°C or 90 bpm, respiratory rate >20 breaths/min or PaCO2 12,000 or 10% bands.

How does BISAP compare to Ranson criteria or APACHE-II?

BISAP is simpler (5 binary criteria, all available within 24 hours of admission) with comparable predictive accuracy to Ranson and APACHE-II. It is often preferred for its ease of use at the bedside.

Is this calculator a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. The BISAP score is a clinical decision-support tool. Always integrate the score with the full clinical picture, imaging findings, and specialist input when managing acute pancreatitis.

BISAP Score for Pancreatitis

Name: BISAP Score for Pancreatitis
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Calculate the BISAP score to estimate in-hospital mortality risk in acute pancreatitis using five clinical criteria.

BISAP Criteria

Check each criterion that applies to this patient.

BUN > 25 mg/dL

Blood urea nitrogen above 25 mg/dL on admission

Impaired Mental Status

Disorientation, lethargy, or altered consciousness (GCS < 15)

SIRS (≥ 2 criteria present)

Temp >38°C/<36°C, HR >90, RR >20 or PaCO₂ <32, WBC >12k/<4k or >10% bands

Age > 60 years

Patient is older than 60 years of age

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion detected on imaging (X-ray or CT)

BISAP Score

out of 5

Risk Interpretation

Very Low Risk

<1% estimated in-hospital mortality

Score 0: Routine ward-level care is typically appropriate. Continue to reassess for clinical deterioration.

SIRS Criteria Reference

1. Temperature >38°C (100.4°F) or <36°C (96.8°F)
2. Heart rate >90 beats per minute
3. Respiratory rate >20 breaths/min or PaCO₂ <32 mmHg
4. WBC >12,000 or <4,000 cells/mm³ or >10% bands

SIRS is positive when 2 or more criteria are met.

Score-to-Mortality Reference

Score	Risk Level	Mortality
0	Very Low	<1%
1	Low	~1%
2	Moderate	~2%
3	High	~5–8%
4	Very High	~13–15%
5	Critical	~20–25%

Summary

Calculate the BISAP score to estimate in-hospital mortality risk in acute pancreatitis using five clinical criteria.

How it works

Enter the patient's BUN level and check if it exceeds 25 mg/dL.
Assess whether the patient has impaired mental status (altered consciousness or disorientation).
Determine if two or more SIRS criteria are met (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, WBC).
Check if the patient's age is greater than 60 years.
Note the presence of a pleural effusion on imaging.
Each positive criterion adds 1 point; the tool calculates the total score and displays predicted mortality.

Use cases

Triage acute pancreatitis patients in the emergency department.
Identify high-risk patients who may need ICU-level monitoring.
Guide early resuscitation and specialist consultation decisions.
Supplement clinical judgment with an evidence-based mortality estimate.
Document severity assessment for medical records.
Educate residents and medical students on pancreatitis risk stratification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-22 · Reviewed by Nham Vu