1SOFA Score Reference Table (0 to 4 per System)
| Organ System | Score 0 | Score 1 | Score 2 | Score 3 | Score 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory PaO₂/FiO₂ (mmHg) | ≥ 400 | 300–399 | 200–299 | 100–199 + vent | < 100 + vent |
| Coagulation Platelets (×10³/μL) | ≥ 150 | 100–149 | 50–99 | 20–49 | < 20 |
| Liver Bilirubin (mg/dL) | < 1.2 | 1.2–1.9 | 2.0–5.9 | 6.0–11.9 | ≥ 12.0 |
| Cardiovascular MAP / Pressors | MAP ≥ 70 | MAP < 70 | Dopa ≤ 5 or Dobu | Dopa 5–15 or Epi/NA ≤ 0.1 | Dopa > 15 or Epi/NA > 0.1 |
| CNS Glasgow Coma Scale | 15 | 13–14 | 10–12 | 6–9 | < 6 |
| Renal Creatinine or Urine Output | < 1.2 | 1.2–1.9 | 2.0–3.4 | 3.5–4.9 or UO < 500 | ≥ 5.0 or UO < 200 |
2Sepsis-3 Definition & Delta-SOFA Prognostication
The Sepsis-3 consensus definitions (Singer et al., JAMA 2016) define sepsis as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Operationally, this is identified by an acute increase in the SOFA score of ≥ 2 points from baseline in the setting of suspected or confirmed infection.
Delta-SOFA: Serial calculation of SOFA scores every 24 to 48 hours is more prognostically powerful than a single isolated admission score. A rising SOFA score over 48 hours indicates treatment failure and escalating multi-organ failure, whereas a falling score indicates successful resuscitation and recovery.
3Frequently Asked Questions
What does each SOFA component measure?+
SOFA evaluates six vital organ systems: Respiratory (PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio), Coagulation (platelets), Liver (bilirubin), Cardiovascular (MAP and vasopressor infusion rates), Central Nervous System (GCS), and Renal (creatinine or urine output). Each is scored 0 to 4.
How does SOFA define sepsis under Sepsis-3?+
Under Sepsis-3, sepsis is diagnosed when a patient with suspected or confirmed infection exhibits an acute increase in their SOFA score of ≥2 points from baseline. Septic shock requires sepsis plus persistent hypotension requiring vasopressors to maintain MAP ≥65 mmHg and serum lactate >2.0 mmol/L despite fluid resuscitation.
What is the difference between SOFA and APACHE II?+
APACHE II is calculated once at ICU admission to evaluate baseline severity and predict overall mortality based on age, chronic health, and acute physiological variables. SOFA is calculated serially (daily) to track the progression or resolution of organ dysfunction over time.
Clinical Takeaway: Serial SOFA scoring is essential in the ICU. A rising delta-SOFA score over 48 hours is a strong predictor of mortality and treatment failure.
Medical Disclaimer: This clinical calculator is intended for intensivists, critical care nurses, and medical professionals. Prognostic estimates should be correlated with individual patient trajectory and clinical context.