Padua Score Calculator

The Padua Score Calculator estimates venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in hospitalized medical patients. Select Yes or No for each of the 11 clinical risk factors — including active cancer, reduced mobility, prior VTE, and obesity — and your patient's Padua Prediction Score is calculated along with a risk classification and pharmacological prophylaxis recommendation.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.

Active Cancer *

Patients with local or distant metastases and/or chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the past 6 months.

Prior Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) *

Previous VTE excluding superficial vein thrombosis.

Reduced Mobility *

Anticipated bed rest for ≥3 days due to patient limitation or physician's order.

Known Thrombophilia *

Defects of antithrombin, protein C or S, factor V Leiden, G20210A prothrombin mutation, antiphospholipid syndrome.

Recent (≤1 month) Trauma and/or Surgery *

Elderly Age (≥70 years) *

Heart and/or Respiratory Failure *

Acute Myocardial Infarction or Ischemic Stroke *

Acute Infection and/or Rheumatologic Disorder *

Obesity (BMI ≥30) *

Ongoing Hormonal Treatment *

Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.

Results

Padua Prediction Score

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Risk Classification

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Estimated VTE Rate

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Prophylaxis Recommendation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Padua Prediction Score used for?

The Padua Prediction Score is a validated clinical tool used to estimate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized medical patients. It was developed from a study of 1,180 patients followed for up to 90 days after hospital admission. Clinicians use it to determine whether pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is warranted.

What score is considered high risk for VTE?

A Padua score of 4 or more is classified as high risk. In the derivation study, high-risk patients who did not receive appropriate thromboprophylaxis had an 11% rate of VTE during hospitalization. Patients receiving thromboprophylaxis had a rate of approximately 2.2%.

What score is considered low risk?

A Padua score below 4 is considered low risk. Low-risk patients had a VTE rate of only 0.3% in the original study. Pharmacological prophylaxis is generally not recommended for these patients, though mechanical methods may still be considered.

What are the methods for VTE risk assessment?

Several validated scoring systems exist for VTE risk assessment in hospitalized patients, including the Padua Prediction Score (for medical patients), the Caprini Score (commonly used for surgical patients), and the IMPROVE VTE Risk Score. The Padua score is widely used in internal medicine wards due to its simplicity and validation in medical populations.

What is VTE prophylaxis and when is it recommended?

VTE prophylaxis refers to measures taken to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism in at-risk patients. Pharmacological prophylaxis typically involves low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin. It is recommended for hospitalized patients with a Padua score ≥4, provided there are no contraindications to anticoagulation. Mechanical methods such as compression stockings may be used for lower-risk patients.

Which risk factors carry the most weight in the Padua Score?

Active cancer, prior VTE, reduced mobility, and known thrombophilia each contribute 3 points — the highest weight in the Padua score. Recent trauma or surgery contributes 2 points. All remaining factors (elderly age ≥70, heart/respiratory failure, acute MI or stroke, acute infection, obesity, and hormonal treatment) each contribute 1 point.

Is the Padua Score validated for surgical patients?

The Padua Prediction Score was specifically derived and validated for hospitalized medical patients, not surgical patients. For surgical patients, the Caprini Risk Assessment Model is more commonly recommended. Always use the appropriate tool for the patient population.

Can this calculator replace a physician's clinical judgment?

No. The Padua Score Calculator is a decision-support tool intended to assist clinicians — it does not replace a thorough clinical assessment. Individual patient factors such as bleeding risk, renal function, and contraindications to anticoagulation must always be considered before initiating any form of prophylaxis.