Caprini risk score

Q: What is Caprini risk score?

Answer: The Caprini risk score is a risk assessment tool for the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among surgical patients. It comprehensively takes into account of many variables including

•  Stroke (in last four weeks)
•  Fracture of the hip, pelvis, or leg
•  Elective arthroplasty or Arthroscopic surgery
•  Acute spinal cord injury (in last four weeks)
•  Age
•  Prior episodes of VTE
• Positive family history for VTE
• Prothrombin 20210 A
• Factor V Leiden
•  Lupus anticoagulants
• Anticardiolipin antibodies
•  High homocysteine in the blood
• Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
• Other congenital or acquired thrombophilia
• Laparoscopy lasting more than 45 minutes
• General surgery lasting more than 45 minutes
• Cancer
• Plaster cast
• Bedbound for more than 72 hours
• Central venous access
• BMI > 25 Kg/m2
• Edema in the lower extremities
• Varicose veins
• Pregnancy
• Post-partum
• Oral contraceptive or Hormonal therapy
• Unexplained or recurrent abortion
• Sepsis (in last four weeks)
• Serious lung disease (abnormal PFT) or pneumonia (in last four weeks) 
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Congestive heart failure
• Bed rest
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Score 0-1: Low risk of VTE
Score 2: Moderate of VTE
Score 3-4: High risk of VTE
Score ≥ 5: Highest risk for VTE


Online calculators are easily available at various search engines.



References:

1. Caprini JA, Arcelus JI, Hasty JH, Tamhane AC, Fabrega F (1991). "Clinical assessment of venous thromboembolic risk in surgical patients.". Semin Thromb Hemost. 17 Suppl 3: 304–12. 

2. Caprini JA (2005). "Thrombosis risk assessment as a guide to quality patient care.". Dis Mon. 51 (2-3): 70–8.