Rapid Score as a Prognostic Factor for Patients with Empyema in a Tertiary Care Center - A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Empyema is a serious pleural infection with significant morbidity and mortality. The RAPID score is a validated tool for early risk stratification. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the RAPID score in adult empyema patients in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 61 adult patients with confirmed empyema. RAPID scores were assigned at admission to stratify patients into low (0–2), medium (3–4), and high (5–7) risk groups. Clinical features, microbiological profile, radiological findings, need for surgery, hospital stay, and 3-month mortality were recorded and analysed. Results:Most patients were male (82%) and aged Conclusion: The RAPID score is a useful bedside tool for predicting short-term mortality in empyema, particularly in medium-risk patients, though it does not predict hospital stay or surgical need. Age was the strongest individual predictor of mortality.