Application of the qSOFA score to predict mortality in patients with suspected infection in a resource-limited setting in Malawi.

PURPOSE: To determine the predictive value of qSOFA (quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) in Malawian patients with suspected infection. METHODS: Prospective observational study in a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi. RESULTS: Predictive ability of qSOFA was reasonable [AUROC 0.73 (95% CI 0.68-0.78)], increasing to 0.77 (95% CI 0.72-0.82) when classifying all patients with altered mental status as high risk. Adding HIV status as a variable to the qSOFA score did not improve predictive value. CONCLUSION: qSOFA is a simple tool that can aid risk stratification in resource-limited settings.