Latest developments in scoring

The third generation of severity scores(APACHE II, MPM II and SAPS II) may be used through a regression equation as probability models. The Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) depends not only on the efficacy of the unit but on the case mix. Some solutions are proposed to solve this problem. The prognostic indices are used too as managerial instrument, quality control aids and research cooperative tools. In the future a compromised must be found to obtain a simple but robust tool that could be used regulary during a patient's ICU stay.