Apache II is a scoring system that is widely used in critical care units to predict the severity of illness and the probability of mortality in patients. It stands for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and is an updated version of the original Apache scoring system.
The Apache II score is calculated based on various physiological parameters and chronic health conditions. It takes into account variables such as age, temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygenation, pH levels, serum potassium levels, hematocrit, white blood cell count, and chronic health conditions like renal failure or immunosuppression. Each parameter is assigned a score based on its severity, and these scores are then summed up to generate a total score. The higher the score, the more severe the illness and the higher the probability of mortality is predicted.
The Apache II scoring system provides a standardized and objective measure of illness severity, allowing healthcare professionals to assess the condition of critically ill patients accurately. It aids in clinical decision-making, resource allocation, and monitoring of patients' progress. The system has been extensively validated and has proved to be reliable in predicting outcomes in a diverse range of patient populations.
Overall, the Apache II scoring system plays a crucial role in critical care medicine by providing a quantifiable measure of illness severity and mortality risk, facilitating effective management and treatment planning.
