Description of the Questionnaire

EuroSCORE II is a validated, statistically based tool for predicting the risk of mortality following cardiac surgery. It is widely used across the European and international cardiothoracic surgical community, as it provides a reliable estimation of operative risk based on a multifactorial logistic regression model. The questionnaire includes demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics of the patient, and enables the calculation of a predicted mortality percentage. This tool is designed to be integrated into daily clinical practice and to assist in both evidence-based decision-making and patient discussions regarding potential risks.

Data Analysis and Use

The data collected through EuroSCORE II are used to calculate a percentage expressing the predicted risk of mortality within 30 days after cardiac surgery. The calculation is performed using specific algorithms or online tools. The results are utilized for preoperative risk assessment, patient stratification by risk level, internal quality control, and research studies. Its application promotes transparency in medical decision-making and allows for outcome comparisons across medical centers.

Objective

The primary objective of EuroSCORE II is the timely and accurate estimation of operative mortality risk in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Its use facilitates informed decisions regarding surgical appropriateness, enhances the quality of patient counseling regarding risks, and optimizes care through the identification of high-risk factors.

Calibration

The calibration of the questionnaire is based on the completion of specific variables. These include the patient’s age, gender, presence of chronic pulmonary disease, extracardiac arteriopathy, neurological dysfunction, and renal function status (normal, acute failure, chronic failure, or dialysis). Other parameters include the presence of active endocarditis, prior cardiac surgery, left ventricular ejection fraction (categorized as >50%, 31–50%, 21–30%, ≤20%), recent myocardial infarction, degree of pulmonary hypertension (none, 31–55 mmHg, >55 mmHg), urgency of the procedure (elective, urgent, emergency, salvage), combined surgical procedures (e.g., CABG plus valve replacement), and thoracic aortic surgery. Based on the documentation of these factors, a mathematical formula is used to calculate the percentage risk, which represents the probability of postoperative mortality.

References

Nashef SA, Roques F, Sharples LD, et al. EuroSCORE II. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 2012;41(4):734–744. Roques F, Nashef SA, Michel P, et al. Risk factors and outcome in European cardiac surgery: analysis of the EuroSCORE multinational database. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 1999;15(6):816–822.