Progression of the Radiologic Severity Index predicts mortality in patients with parainfluenza virus-associated lower respiratory infections.

We conclude that the RSI offers precise, informative and reliable assessments of LRI severity. Progression of RSI predicts 30-day mortality after LRI, but baseline RSI does not. Our results were derived from a cohort of patients with PIV-associated LRI, but can be applied in validated in other populations of patients with LRI.