A nomogram for calculation of the Revised Baux Score.

Abstract

Since its original publication, the revised Baux score for mortality prediction in burns patients has been widely adopted. It uses readily available measures, and it is based on regression analysis from actual data rather than a theoretical model. However, the necessary calculations are too complex to perform with anything other than a scientific calculator or dedicated software, which may create issues in a clinical setting where access to electronic devices may be limited. We designed a nomogram capable of performing the calculation to a high degree of accuracy, and evaluated its performance on a set of randomly generated patient data to ensure that the nomogram gives accurate and repeatable results. The nomogram has a bias of -0.003 percentage points, with limits of agreement -0.3619 to 0.3550 and a repeatability coefficient of 0.29 percentage points. We feel that the nomogram's accuracy, low cost, speed and ease of use would make it a very useful adjunct during the initial assessment of burns patients. It could also realistically be used to crosscheck calculations made by other methods.