Table 2

 Comparison of MEDS correlates between groups A and B

Group A (n = 143)Group B (n = 133)p
Group A, MEDS score <12; group B,MEDS score  =  12–27. RTI, respiratory tract infection
Terminal illness7.7%26.3%<0.01
Altered mental status48.3%84.2%<0.01
Nursing home resident5.1%18.8%<0.01
Septic shock49.0%70.0%<0.01
Respiratory difficulty44.1%93.2%<0.01
Age >65 years60.1%93.2%<0.01
Bandaemia >5%50.3%67.0%<0.01
Platelets <15 000/mm327.3%55.6%<0.01
Lower RTI48.3%84.2%<0.01