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New approach cuts sepsis diagnosis from days to hours, researchers report

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new approach to diagnose sepsis-causing bacteria in blood infections, which can rapidly identify the specific pathogens and ideal antibiotics. This new approach, called STREAM, enables faster diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2026

Widely used early warning score may help guide the urgency of antibiotic treatment for suspected sepsis

A large cohort study found that the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) can identify patients most likely to benefit from immediate antibiotics, allowing clinicians greater confidence in treating lower-risk patients. The study analyzed nearly 100,000 adults treated for suspected infection and suggests NEWS2 may provide a more comprehe...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

New €2.5 million project seeks to demystify debilitating inherited conditions and pinpoint new treatment options

A new €2.5 million project aims to better understand why people with inherited mitochondrial disorders are more vulnerable to severe infections, which can cause profound neurological impairment and a range of other complications. The project will investigate how harmful mutations in mitochondrial DNA alter the behavior of immune cells.

Large international study confirms similar efficacy and safety of common fluid treatments for pediatric sepsis

A large clinical trial involving thousands of patients across the US and abroad found that balanced crystalloid fluid resuscitation was as effective as saline solution in preventing major adverse kidney events after pediatric sepsis treatment. The study also revealed biochemical differences between the two fluids, including elevated bl...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 24, 2026

Study in Chinese Medical Journal shows modified phoenix sepsis score improves mortality prediction in children

Researchers evaluated the performance of the Phoenix Sepsis Score for predicting in-hospital mortality among pediatric ICU patients in China. They found that a modified version, PSS+, showed substantially improved discrimination without sacrificing clinical usability.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2026

Study makes promising advances in accurately diagnosing sepsis

A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that an early and rapid diagnostic test for sepsis significantly reduced mortality, especially among patients from the most deprived communities. However, the study also showed no difference in the speed of intravenous antibiotic initiation.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 23, 2026

CHEST announces first class of certified critical care advanced practice providers awarded CCAPP Designation

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...

Validation of SOFA-2 score in sepsis and exploration of its extension with additional immune markers

The study validates the use of SOFA-2 in sepsis care and research, demonstrating its ability to identify clinically meaningful organ dysfunction. The findings suggest that incorporating immune markers may not improve predictive performance, highlighting the biological complexity of sepsis.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2026

CHEST® Critical Care added to Web of Science Emerging Sources Citation Index

The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care journal has been added to the Web of Science Core Collection through the Emerging Sources Citation Index. This indexing marks a significant milestone for the journal, increasing access to high-quality research and supporting its commitment to advancing critical care medicine.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Critical Care·DateFeb 2, 2026

Potential new treatment for sepsis

Researchers at Griffith University have successfully conducted a Phase II clinical trial in China, showing promising results for a carbohydrate-based drug candidate called STC3141. The treatment aims to reduce organ damage and reverse biological responses associated with sepsis.

SourceGriffith University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 14, 2026

Increased risk of severe bacterial infection after high teenage BMI

A new study from the University of Gothenburg has found that high teenage BMI and poor physical fitness are associated with a higher risk of developing severe bacterial infections in adulthood. The study, which followed over 44,000 men for three decades, shows that even at high normal weight, individuals are already at increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2025

New study shows invasive Group A Streptococcus outcomes shaped by treatment strategies, not species lineage

Researchers found that early clindamycin administration significantly improved recovery rates in patients with invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. The study also showed that M1uk strain does not worsen prognosis in critically ill adults, but prompt treatment remains crucial.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2025

Research redefines pneumonia and sepsis care — and exposes urgent gaps in Ireland’s critical care capacity

Two landmark international studies published in The Lancet and Nature Medicine expose the need for faster recognition, better diagnostics, and personalized treatment pathways to combat pneumonia and sepsis. Irish ICUs face a shortage of beds, with implications for delayed care and increased mortality.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2025

New editorial urges clinicians to address sex-based disparities in sepsis treatment

The editorial highlights how biological sex and gender inequities contribute to suboptimal sepsis treatment, potentially compromising outcomes for women. Hormonal fluctuations, body composition, and renal clearance all influence drug processing, yet these variables are rarely considered in dosing algorithms.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 31, 2025

Call grows to individualize fluid therapy in septic shock

The article argues that a universal 30 mL/kg fluid bolus is no longer appropriate and instead calls for a balanced, individualized approach to fluid management in septic shock. This approach considers the patient's comorbidities, infection source, and estimated fluid losses, and guides management by frequent reassessment.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 30, 2025

Moderate-dose corticosteroid treatment improves patient recovery rates from sepsis

A study published in the Journal of Intensive Medicine found that moderate-dose corticosteroids improve sepsis patient recovery rates by stabilizing immune cells and reducing inflammation. The treatment also shows protective effects on the heart and vascular system, preventing cardiovascular failure and organ damage.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 16, 2025

Immune cell ‘signatures’ could help guide treatment for critically ill patients

Researchers developed a collection of blood tests that assess genetic activity patterns in immune cells to reveal patient immune states. These tests could help physicians determine diagnosis and care protocols for patients with suspected infections or critical conditions, providing more accurate diagnoses and treatment guidance.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2025

‘Alarming’ rise in newborn babies with antibiotic-resistant infections, researchers find

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific found that most newborn infections in Southeast Asia are caused by bacteria unlikely to respond to current treatments, highlighting the need for updated diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Locally relevant data is crucial for guiding routine medical decisions, and new a...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2025

UH Rainbow’s Dr. Charles Macias and the Improving Pediatric Sepsis Outcomes Collaborative honored with John M. Eisenberg Award

The Improving Pediatric Sepsis Outcomes Collaborative has received the prestigious John M. Eisenberg Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation in reducing pediatric sepsis mortality. The award highlights programs demonstrating impact, innovation, sustainability, replicability, and data-driven success.