How do you interpret SOFA score results?

SOFA scores correlate with ICU mortality: 0–6 points indicate low mortality (~10%), 7–9 moderate mortality (~15–20%), 10–12 high mortality (~40–50%), 13–14 very high mortality (~50–60%), and 15–24 extremely high mortality (>80%). In the Sepsis-3 definition, an acute increase in SOFA score of ≥2 points from baseline in the setting of infection indicates organ dysfunction consistent with sepsis.

What is the difference between SOFA and qSOFA?

SOFA requires laboratory data and is used in the ICU for organ dysfunction assessment. qSOFA (quick SOFA) is a bedside screening tool using only three clinical criteria: respiratory rate ≥22, altered mentation (GCS <15), and systolic blood pressure ≤100 mmHg. A qSOFA score ≥2 suggests possible sepsis and prompts further evaluation including full SOFA scoring. qSOFA is simpler but less specific than SOFA.

How is SOFA score used in sepsis diagnosis?

Under the Sepsis-3 definition (Singer et al., JAMA 2016), sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Organ dysfunction is identified by an acute increase in SOFA score of ≥2 points from baseline. Septic shock is defined as sepsis requiring vasopressors to maintain MAP ≥65 mmHg AND serum lactate >2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation, and carries mortality >40%.

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SOFA Score Calculator

Assess organ dysfunction using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment. Scores 6 organ systems (0–4 each). Total range: 0–24.

Eingaben

1. Respiration — PaO₂/FiO₂ (mmHg)

2. Coagulation — Platelets (×10³/μL)

3. Liver — Bilirubin (mg/dL)

4. Cardiovascular — MAP / Vasopressors

5. CNS — Glasgow Coma Scale

6. Renal — Creatinine (mg/dL) or Urine Output

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Complete all 6 organ systems to calculate SOFA score.

0–6Low mortality (~10%)

7–9Moderate mortality (~15–20%)

10–12High mortality (~40–50%)

13–14Very high mortality (~50–60%)

15–24Extremely high mortality (>80%)

Sepsis-3: An acute increase in SOFA score ≥ 2 from baseline in the setting of suspected infection indicates organ dysfunction (sepsis).

Haftungsausschluss: Nur zu Bildungszwecken. Kein Ersatz für klinisches Urteil.

Anwendung

Use the SOFA score in the ICU to assess the extent of organ dysfunction, track clinical trajectory, and identify sepsis per Sepsis-3 criteria. Serial measurements are more informative than a single score.

Clinical pearls

Sepsis-3 defines sepsis as suspected infection + SOFA increase ≥ 2 from baseline.
qSOFA (RR ≥ 22, altered mentation, SBP ≤ 100) is a bedside screen — use SOFA for formal assessment.
Serial SOFA scores are more prognostic than a single measurement. A rising SOFA predicts mortality.
Vasopressor doses in the cardiovascular component are in mcg/kg/min for dopamine and mcg/kg/min for catecholamines.

References

Vincent JL, et al. The SOFA (Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment) score to describe organ dysfunction/failure. Intensive Care Med. 1996;22(7):707-710.
Singer M, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016;315(8):801-810.

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What Is the SOFA Score?

The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, originally called the Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment, was developed by Jean-Louis Vincent and colleagues in 1996 as a tool to objectively describe the degree of organ dysfunction in critically ill patients. It evaluates six organ systems — respiratory, coagulation, hepatic, cardiovascular, neurological, and renal — each scored from 0 (normal) to 4 (most abnormal), yielding a total score of 0–24. The SOFA score was designed for serial use to track organ dysfunction over time in the ICU.

How to Calculate the SOFA Score

Each organ system is assessed using specific clinical and laboratory parameters. The respiratory component uses the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio (with extra points for mechanical ventilation). Coagulation is assessed by platelet count. The hepatic component uses serum bilirubin. Cardiovascular assessment considers mean arterial pressure and vasopressor requirements. The neurological component uses the Glasgow Coma Scale. Renal function is assessed by serum creatinine or urine output. The worst value in each 24-hour period is used for scoring.

SOFA in Sepsis-3 Definitions

The 2016 Sepsis-3 consensus (Singer et al., JAMA) redefined sepsis as "life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection." Organ dysfunction is operationalized as an acute increase in SOFA score of ≥2 points from baseline in the setting of known or suspected infection. This replaced the older SIRS criteria, which were considered too sensitive and nonspecific. Septic shock is further defined as sepsis requiring vasopressors to maintain MAP ≥65 mmHg AND serum lactate >2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation.

🔑 Klinische Hinweise

Baseline SOFA score is assumed to be 0 in patients without pre-existing organ dysfunction. For patients with chronic organ dysfunction, use their known baseline for comparison.
qSOFA (≥2 of: RR ≥22, altered mentation, SBP ≤100) is intended as a bedside screening tool outside the ICU, not as a replacement for SOFA.
Serial SOFA scoring (e.g., daily) is more informative than a single measurement — a rising trajectory predicts poor outcomes even at lower absolute scores.
The SOFA score should not be used as the sole criterion for treatment decisions or resource allocation — it must be interpreted in clinical context.

Schlüsselreferenzen

Vincent JL, et al. The SOFA (Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment) score to describe organ dysfunction/failure. Intensive Care Med. 1996;22(7):707-710.
Singer M, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016;315(8):801-810.
Ferreira FL, et al. Serial evaluation of the SOFA score to predict outcome in critically ill patients. JAMA. 2001;286(14):1754-1758.

Formel zuletzt überprüft: Februar 2026