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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
A case of echovirus 11-induced hepatitis in Italian male twins has been reported, showing a close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates. The study highlights the importance of rapid recognition and timely treatment to ensure survival, and suggests potential host genetic predisposition in male and twin categories.
A global observational study found high mortality among infants with culture-positive sepsis, highlighting the need for effective antibiotics. The study developed tools to identify at-risk newborns and inform WHO guidelines on treatment.
A rapid diagnostic test for sepsis has been validated in the emergency department, providing a reliable aid for early detection. The study found that the test improved sepsis triage and reduced time to diagnosis, leading to better patient outcomes.
A new international clinical trial is evaluating new antibiotic combinations for newborn babies with sepsis, which affects up to 3 million babies globally. The NeoSep1 trial will assess the safety and efficacy of three new antibiotic treatments against existing standard regimens.
A study of 307,000 neonates with very low birth weight found that increased use of probiotics in hospitals was associated with reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, but not sepsis or mortality rates. The adoption of routine probiotic use increased slowly from 2012 to 2019.
An AI developed at TU Wien has shown to suggest appropriate treatment steps in cases of blood poisoning, outperforming human decisions. The AI can examine time-varying patient conditions and calculate treatment strategies, increasing cure rates by up to 3%. However, legal aspects and liability need discussion.
A recent study found that the Epic sepsis model's accuracy in predicting sepsis onset depends on hospital factors such as sepsis incidence and multiple health conditions. The model performed worse in hospitals with higher rates of these conditions, suggesting it may be more useful in lower-acuity settings.
A new machine learning model estimates optimal treatment timing for sepsis, taking into account vital signs and lab test results to predict patient survival. The model was trained on a dataset of over 14,000 individuals with sepsis and showed improved outcomes when actual treatment matched the recommended timeline.
Researchers have discovered new targets for developing antibiotics to combat sepsis, a leading cause of death worldwide. The study provides valuable insights into how different bacterial species respond to infection and could lead to more effective treatments.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals a unique subset of fibroblastic reticular cells in omental milky spots crucial for immune cell recruitment to prevent sepsis. These cells regulate the display of CXCL12, recruiting lymphocytes to sites of inflammation.
Researchers found that Fumarate Hydratase is repressed in macrophages, leading to the release of cytokines and worsening inflammation. Restoring or targeting this enzyme could lead to new anti-inflammatory therapies for diseases like Lupus and sepsis.
A single dose of azithromycin has been shown to decrease sepsis and death by half in women in labor, making it an important tool for keeping mothers safe before, during, and after delivery. The antibiotic was found to be beneficial for vaginal childbirth as well, reducing mortality rates and the risk of developing sepsis.
A new study found that a single dose of azithromycin given during labor significantly reduced the risk of maternal death or sepsis in women in low- and middle-income countries. The antibiotic was administered to over 29,000 participants in eight sites across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
A new study found that a single oral dose of azithromycin reduced the risk of maternal sepsis or death by 33% in women who delivered vaginally. The results showed lower rates of specific maternal infections and fewer hospital readmissions after delivery.
A single oral dose of azithromycin can reduce postpartum sepsis and death among women who deliver vaginally by one-third, according to a large clinical trial. The study enrolled over 29,000 women in seven low- and middle-income countries and found that only 1.6% developed sepsis or died within six weeks after delivery.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people hospitalized for sepsis are at a higher risk of heart failure and rehospitalization within 12 years. The researchers analyzed data from over 2 million adults who survived non-surgical hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019.
A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that promoting autophagy with rapamycin restores intestinal barrier function during sepsis. The study also identifies the PLK1-mTOR axis as a crucial regulator of autophagy and intestinal barrier dysfunction, providing novel insights for treatment of sepsis.
A study led by Robert Dickson found that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, both in health and during sepsis. The researchers discovered that certain bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum were strongly associated with increased fever response.
Research by the IGC reveals that anticancer drugs, such as anthracyclines, limit inflammation and may be effective in treating sepsis. The study found that these drugs control inflammatory genes and produce less pro-inflammatory molecules.
Researchers at Lund University discovered an antibody with potential to protect against Strep A infection and a rare form of binding that leads to effective immune response. The finding could explain why many Group A strep vaccines have failed.
A study found that antibodies to common antibiotic gentamicin are associated with an increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk. The researchers also identified an association between the FUT2 gene and the production of these antibodies, which may be compounding risks for type 1 diabetes.
Researchers developed an efficient engineered pathogen capture method to quickly identify infectious microbes in tiny blood samples. This advanced technology could significantly improve clinical outcomes for children with bloodstream infections and sepsis.
A multi-campus research team has created a novel device that can non-invasively measure cervical nerve activity in humans, with potential applications for personalized treatments of sepsis and mental health conditions like PTSD. The device features a flexible array of electrodes that capture electrical activity across different nerves.
Researchers discovered that a ketogenic diet high in saturated fats can reprogram the mouse immune system, making it better at fighting off infections but more susceptible to systemic inflammatory conditions. The study also found that another type of fat, oleic acid, may be able to counteract the harmful effects of palmitic acid.
Researchers developed a gene expression model to predict clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis, COVID-19, and influenza. The 19-gene model was able to accurately predict poor outcomes, offering a promising approach for personalized treatments.
Researchers found that immune checkpoint blockade therapy may be beneficial for certain cases of severe COVID-19. In pre-clinical trials, treatment with a PD-1 inhibitor restored T cell functionality and reduced inflammation in mice infected by MHV-A59, another betacoronavirus.
Researchers developed a machine learning-based diagnostic method that combines genomic sequencing and analysis of patients' immune response for remarkable accuracy. The approach identifies and predicts sepsis cases with high accuracy, potentially exceeding current diagnostic capabilities.
A national study suggests that children who survive sepsis are at risk of long-term health consequences, including chronic respiratory failure and seizure disorders. One in five children developed new or progressive medical conditions within six months of leaving the ICU.
Scientists have identified WASH protein complex as a gatekeeper of neutrophil-driven inflammation, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions like sepsis and arthritis. The study reveals that WASH regulates the release of antimicrobial molecules, which can harm healthy cells if released excessively.
Research at Karolinska Institutet shows that people with diabetes have lower levels of psoriasin, a key peptide that weakens the bladder's protective barrier function. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Oestrogen therapy may help regulate the immune response to UTIs in patients with diabetes.
A new study published in PNAS found that angiotensin-II, a blood pressure hormone, can enhance bacterial killing functions, increase bacterial clearance, and modulate systemic inflammatory responses in sepsis. The treatment improved immune function without increasing inflammatory injury.
Researchers at MIT discovered a peptide that sequesters heme, an iron-containing molecule, and sends bacteria into an iron-starvation mode, potentially treating diseases like periodontal disease and sickle cell disease. This finding could translate to therapeutic applications for patients with excessive heme in their blood.