Articles tagged with Sepsis
John Howington, MD, MBA, FCCP, is the new President of CHEST, succeeding Neil S. Freedman, who will be President-Elect in 2026. Dr. Howington has extensive leadership experience and has published over 49 research publications.
A nationwide cross-sectional study found sepsis incidence and mortality rates among hospitalized non-child cancer patients in China rose significantly, with higher rates observed in older patients.
New research reveals racial differences in mortality rates, with Black newborns facing higher risks of necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis. Addressing social determinants of health is critical for promoting health equity in hospital outcomes.
A study published in JAMA found that electronic sepsis screening among hospitalized ward patients resulted in lower in-hospital 90-day mortality compared to no screening. The study also showed a significant reduction in mortality rates.
A study published in JAMA found that biomarker-guided antibiotic duration reduced in hospitalized patients with suspected sepsis. However, a daily C-reactive protein-guided protocol did not demonstrate significant benefits. The results suggest that procalcitonin-guided protocols may be a more effective approach.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive strategy that assesses blood flow through skeletal muscle to detect early signs of sepsis. The technique, combining hyperspectral near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy, was tested in rodents and detected sepsis before vital organs were affected.
Researchers found that HNL Dimer levels decrease rapidly within a day of successful antibiotic treatment, offering a time-saving advantage over traditional biomarkers. This study confirms the previous promising results and provides valuable insights for early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
Researchers have identified a genetic signature that can predict neonatal sepsis in newborns before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier recognition and life-saving treatment. The discovery has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes in lower- and middle-income countries where neonatal sepsis is most prevalent.
A cross-sectional study found that as hospital COVID-19 burdens increased, older racial and ethnic minority adults were more likely to die or experience major morbidity. The adverse outcomes were greater in magnitude among minority populations compared to white individuals.
Researchers found that certain factors increased the risk of death after sepsis, including advanced age, dementia, heart disease, cancer, and previous hospitalizations. A total of 50.6% of patients with sepsis died within two years, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and follow-up care.
A new study uncovers how different people respond to sepsis based on their genetic makeup, which could help identify who would benefit from certain treatments. The research found two groups of patients with opposite immune responses and identified the genetic regulators involved.
Researchers have gained insight into how a deadly strain of salmonella adapts to invasion, flourishing in hostile environments and evading immune defenses. The study sheds light on the role of fluid shear forces in bacterial behavior, which may accelerate the design of new therapies for life-threatening infections.
Prolonged β-lactam antibiotic infusions associated with reduced 90-day mortality in adults with sepsis or septic shock. This standard of care approach is now supported by high certainty evidence.
The BLING III trial found a 2% lower 90-day mortality and a 6% higher clinical cure rate for continuous β-lactam antibiotic infusions compared to intermittent infusions in critically ill patients with sepsis. Continuous infusions were also associated with improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified a distinct clinical pattern, PHES, that may respond better to targeted treatments in children with sepsis. This pattern is characterized by persistent hypoxemia, encephalopathy, and shock, and overlaps with biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial activity.
Scientists at Salk Institute discover a molecular mechanism that helps macrophages mount a coordinated response tailored to a specific immune challenge. The discovery reveals new immune system mechanisms that could be targeted with therapeutics to regulate inflammation.
A Boston University study suggests that in-hospital mortality for patients with sepsis may not accurately reflect true short-term mortality rates, potentially harming safety-net hospitals. The researchers found no difference in 30-day mortality between safety-net and non-safety-net hospitals, contrary to previous reports.
A study found that statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in adults aged 60 years and older, including those over 85. Statins also did not increase the risk for adverse events such as myopathies and liver dysfunction.
A nationwide study found a high incidence rate of sepsis cases among non-child cancer patients in China, with males exhibiting higher rates than females. The study also revealed significant geographic variations in sepsis burden across China, with regions having lower and higher development levels exhibiting elevated rates.
A recent study found that treatment with intravenous acetaminophen for 5 days in critically ill sepsis patients was safe, but did not improve the primary end point of days alive and free of organ support. The study suggests acetaminophen may have a role in preventing or treating organ dysfunction in sepsis.
A clinical trial found that intravenous acetaminophen reduced the risk of organ injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome in sepsis patients. The therapy gave the greatest benefit to those most at risk for organ damage, showing a slight decrease in mortality.
Researchers review cell-based therapies for comprehensive sepsis management, highlighting the potential of mesenchymal stem cells and innate immune cells like macrophages. The review also emphasizes the need for further studies on optimal dosage, administration routes, and storage methods to maximize efficacy and safety.
A new study found that treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam increased 90-day mortality by 5% compared to cefepime. The antibiotic depletes the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in metabolism, immunity, and preventing infections.
A Swedish study published in JAMA Network Open found that over one million newborns were given unnecessary antibiotics for suspected sepsis despite a reduction in sepsis cases. The researchers argue that the treatment burden is too high, suggesting potential to reduce antibiotic use.
Researchers analyzed blood stem cells in mice with prior sepsis and found they were fully recovered but failed to respond to a second inflammatory stimulus, leading to inefficient immune cell production.
A new study suggests that many cases of neonatal neutropenia may originate from suppression of fetal blood-forming stem cells by maternal interleukin 10. This immune deficiency greatly increases a newborn's susceptibility to infection, leading to serious health complications and even death.
Researchers discovered a DNA shift in innate immune memory cells that contributes to severe immune conditions like sepsis. By blocking this change, therapeutic interventions can restore normal monocyte activity, offering new hope for treating such conditions.
The study found that patient outcomes for six critical conditions worsened at urban hospitals, while rural hospitals experienced smaller declines, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to reduce excess deaths in future crises.
A new method uses digital DNA melting analysis to detect pathogens in blood samples, producing results in under six hours and reducing false positives compared to traditional blood cultures. This technology has the potential to save lives by accurately diagnosing sepsis, a leading cause of death worldwide.
A new analysis method for detecting bacteria in blood has been confirmed to provide accurate and fast results at smaller hospitals, enabling quicker antibiotic treatment. The test revealed a significant reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use and an improved patient outcome in one out of four cases.
An international research team developed a novel scoring system, called the Phoenix Sepsis Score, to diagnose sepsis in children. The scoring system enables physicians to quickly determine the severity of organ failure, leading to improved outcomes for affected children.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to monitor patient variables and predict sepsis before symptom onset. The tool resulted in a 17% reduction in mortality rates.
A new set of international criteria has been established to diagnose pediatric sepsis and septic shock in children, aiming to improve clinical care and research globally. The Phoenix Sepsis Score of at least 2 can identify potentially life-threatening organ dysfunction in infected children under 18 years old.
The new pediatric sepsis criteria, called the Phoenix criteria, define sepsis as severe response to infection involving organ dysfunction. These criteria were developed using data from over 3 million pediatric healthcare encounters worldwide and are better at identifying children with infections at higher risk of poor outcomes.
A novel score, the Phoenix Sepsis Score, predicts mortality in children with suspected or confirmed infection. The new criteria outperform existing organ dysfunction scores and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference criteria
Researchers have gained decisive insights into treating bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus, finding that early oral antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as intravenous standard treatment. This approach enables easier treatment and faster discharge for patients at low risk of developing infectious complications.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that anti-HIV drugs can prevent liver abscess formation during Escherichia coli infections by blocking reverse transcription. This mechanism could lead to a new way of treating and preventing deleterious consequences following bloodstream infections.
A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the latest research findings on ICU infections, prevention strategies, and innovative approaches to sepsis management. The studies shed light on key challenges and advancements in critical care, highlighting the need for personalized treatment methods.
The University of Rochester is establishing a new NIH-funded center focused on developing FDA-qualified drug development tools related to barrier functions in disease. Researchers will create microphysiological systems with ultrathin membranes of human cells, aiming to reduce animal trials and improve drug efficacy.
A study of 2,709 patients with limited English proficiency found higher sepsis mortality rates among certain racial and ethnic groups. The findings suggest a need for equitable care models to address language-based inequities in healthcare.
A large clinical study led by Linköping University found no difference in the risk of severe complications between breast milk-based and cow's milk-based enrichment for extremely preterm infants. The study included 228 infants and found that both groups had a similar incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, sepsis, and death.
Research found that nearly four out of ten sepsis patients are still out of work two years after contracting the illness. Younger individuals and those with fewer chronic diagnoses were more likely to return to work.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that placental swabs are the most effective way to diagnose maternal sepsis, a condition with a devastating global impact. The research analyzed over 2,000 specimens and found that these swabs provided critical information for guiding antimicrobial treatment.
Researchers discovered that women carrying Group B Streptococcus bacteria are up to three times more likely to have newborns admitted to neonatal units. The team developed an ultrasensitive PCR test to detect the bacteria, suggesting a 'cytokine storm' may be behind increased risk of disease.
Research at the University of Gothenburg found that even low-active IBD patients have a higher risk of serious infections due to microscopic intestinal inflammation. Achieving a fully healed intestinal mucosa may reduce this risk, contributing to lower morbidity and mortality in IBD patients.
A study led by the University of Sydney found that many antibiotics for childhood infections have less than 50% effectiveness, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths globally. The World Health Organization has declared antimicrobial resistance a top public health threat, emphasizing the urgent need for updated guidelines.
Using data from Mass General Brigham’s electronic health records, researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 accounted for approximately 1 in 6 cases of sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mortality rate for patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated sepsis was initially high but declined over time.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that viral pathogens, particularly SARS-CoV-2, are a significant contributor to sepsis. The researchers found that approximately 1 in 6 cases of sepsis were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study of 431,000 inpatient encounters found SARS-CoV-2–associated sepsis had higher mortality than presumed bacterial sepsis. Electronic health record-based algorithms demonstrated utility for viral and bacterial sepsis surveillance.
A new approach is being developed to identify sepsis in newborn babies, with the potential to transform sepsis testing. The Neosepsis project aims to reduce neonatal deaths in Uganda by providing a quick and reliable test using a small drop of blood.
A new blood test, IntelliSep, characterizes changes in white blood cells to rapidly evaluate sepsis risk. Using this test could result in a higher survival rate and lower cost compared to procalcitonin testing, with over 95% of patients surviving treatment costing less than $4,000 per person.
A new study found that only one out of four recommended screening tools for sepsis is reliable, with NEWS-2 accurately predicting 72.2% of all sepsis cases. The study also highlights the need for better awareness and more frequent use of effective screening tools to improve early sepsis recognition and survival rates.
A study of 300,000 sepsis admissions found that the condition is more prevalent than previously thought, but many patients survive. The observed increase in cases is largely due to more people developing sepsis repeatedly, rather than dying the first time they contract it.
Australian researchers analyzed over 1,300 Golden staph strains, linking specific genes to antibiotic resistance and the bacteria's ability to linger in the bloodstream. The study highlights the diagnostic power of integrating clinical and genomic data to develop targeted solutions for deadly superbug infections.
A recent study reveals sepsis is as prevalent as cancer, with a staggering 20% of cases resulting in death within three months. The researchers advocate for enhanced diagnostic methods and increased public awareness to address the growing epidemic.
Researchers at MUSC have identified a potential novel biomarker for sepsis, which can be predicted by the contents of extracellular vesicles in the bloodstream. This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for sepsis patients.
The inaugural issue of CHEST Critical Care focuses on clinically relevant research and patient management guidance for critical care medicine. The journal accepts submissions of original research, case series, and research letters, covering topics such as intensive care medicine and diverse populations.
Researchers have shed light on the optimal use of intravenous fluids to treat sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects nearly a third of ICU patients. The review provides critical insights into dosage and timing of fluids to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality.
Scientists have discovered that dimethylfumarate can block blood clotting during infection, potentially treating life-threatening DIC and severe COVID-19. The mechanism involves blocking interferon production, which promotes tissue factor releases.
A recent study published in JAMA found that continuous meropenem administration did not improve mortality rates or reduce the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria in critically ill patients with sepsis. The results suggest that intermittent administration may be a more effective treatment strategy for this condition.