Articles tagged with Sepsis
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School immunologist Luis Ulloa believes the body has an electrical network that can be used to manipulate and help control its functions. He suggests phone-based bioelectronic medicine could treat inflammatory disorders like arthritis, colitis, diabetes, obesity, and life-threatening infections.
A UC Riverside-led research team has identified the human protein resistin as a potential treatment for sepsis, boosting survival rates to 100% in a mouse model. By binding to TLR4, resistin blocks inflammatory responses and minimizes immune system overdrive.
A new study suggests that integrated sepsis screening and treatment protocols can increase the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, leading to higher healthcare facility-onset C. difficile infection (CDI) rates. Researchers found an increased rate of HCFO CDI during and following sepsis care bundle implementation.
New research reveals sepsis disrupts immune system function by impairing TRM recruitment to infected skin, increasing risk of life-threatening secondary infections. In mice, sepsis stymied TRM's ability to recruit bystander T and B cells to fight infection.
A new research study published in JAMA found that sepsis was present in six percent of all hospitalizations and one in three hospitalizations that ended in death. The study used electronic health record data from nearly 3 million patients to estimate the total burden of sepsis nationwide.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that measuring five key biomarkers in blood can quickly identify patients with sepsis, potentially saving lives. The researchers used machine learning models to determine the predictive power of using traditional vital sign data, biomarkers alone, or a combination of both.
Scientists at Temple University Health System uncover the mechanism underlying energy loss from heart dysfunction in sepsis, proposing NOX2 inhibition as a potential treatment. The research builds on earlier findings and aims to provide extra time for anti-inflammatory treatments to work.
A study found that more than half of heart patients are admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) for noncardiac conditions such as sepsis or renal failure. This shift in patient composition requires providers to reassess training and staffing models, with implications for care and outcomes.
Research found a six-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults hospitalized for pneumonia or sepsis within the first year. Cardiovascular risk remained elevated for at least five years after infection, similar to findings for coronary heart disease and stroke.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that changes to the immune system occur rapidly after a traumatic injury, with levels of immune cells and molecules altered within minutes. The research aims to improve outcomes for patients who have suffered trauma by identifying those at risk of developing life-threatening complications.
Korean scientists report that ceria-zirconia nanoparticles act as effective scavengers of oxygen radicals, promoting a greatly enhanced surviving rate in sepsis model organisms. The nanoparticles accumulate in organs where severe immune responses occur and successfully eradicate reactive oxygen species.
A new portable device can quickly detect markers of deadly sepsis infection from a single drop of blood, providing rapid point-of-care measurement of the immune system's response. The device correlates well with traditional tests and vital signs, offering potential for earlier detection and prognosis.
A £1.5 million study led by the University of Warwick is investigating two biomarkers to guide safe reduction in antibiotic treatment time for patients with suspected sepsis. The trial will compare survival rates, discharge times, and antibiotic usage across three groups.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that controlling iron levels is crucial for maintaining vital organs' function during infection. They discovered ferritin's role in regulating glucose production, which prevents lethal sepsis outcomes.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study covering nearly 50,000 patients found that hospitals in New York State that followed the 'three-hour bundle' protocol for sepsis treatment had lower mortality rates. The protocol requires early identification and treatment within three hours of diagnosis, with completion averaging 1.3 hours.
Researchers have created a TaqMan-Based Multiplex real-time PCR detection system to rapidly diagnose sepsis, increasing the chance of targeting the correct agent and avoiding antibiotic misuse. The test detects 10 frequent bacterial pathogens from blood samples and can even identify pathogens in blood culture-negative cases.
A recent study found that patients with drug-resistant bacteria in their urine or stool samples have a significantly increased risk of developing drug-resistant sepsis. Researchers discovered that the risk is highest soon after detection and can persist for up to three years.
People taking oral corticosteroids for less than 30 days are at higher risk of broken bones, dangerous blood clots, and sepsis. Researchers call for better education on the potential risks and most appropriate uses of steroids.
A new biomarker called methylthioadenosine (MTA) has been identified as a predictor of death in sepsis patients. Measuring MTA levels can be approximately 80% accurate in predicting patient outcomes, similar to the APACHE II score.
Researchers found that a subgroup of NSAIDs also act strongly on another family of enzymes called caspases, which play a key role in aggressive immune responses like sepsis. The study suggests that these drugs could be repurposed to address other conditions and develop safer versions.
A risk prediction model developed by Kaiser Permanente has safely reduced antibiotic use in newborns by nearly 50%. The calculator uses data from over 600,000 babies to calculate the risk of early-onset sepsis and targets infants who are at highest risk for infection.
Researchers discovered a toxin from S. epidermidis that contributes to blood infections and worsens septic infection in mouse models. Clinical studies are needed to assess its impact on human sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ malfunction caused by infection, associated with significant hospital deaths. Recognizing sepsis as a separate cause can lead to improved hygiene, nutrition, vaccination rates, and quality of life for those affected.
Researchers found that treating white blood cells with antibodies targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules can restore their function and ability to kill bacteria. This discovery offers new hope for treating sepsis, a devastating inflammatory disease.
A study found that sepsis mortality rates are highest in regions with few trained intensivists, highlighting the need for increased critical care training programs. The authors suggest promoting critical care training and incentives to improve outcomes.
A prospective, randomised clinical trial found that an ultraviolet air steriliser significantly reduced sepsis and mortality in cardiac surgery patients. The study included 1097 patients and showed a lower rate of sepsis (3.4% vs 6.7%) and 30-day in-hospital mortality (3.8% vs 6.4%) in patients with the steriliser.
A new study published in Cell found that providing nutrients to mice with viral infections can help them survive, while those with bacterial infections die when fed. The researchers discovered that the brain's metabolic needs differ depending on the type of infection, which may have implications for designing clinical trials.
Researchers have identified a factor in umbilical cord blood that can counteract harmful inflammation and sepsis, with tripled survival rates in mice. The newly discovered factor, nNIF, is present for just two weeks after birth and may offer insights into controlling the inflammatory response.
Researchers found that a 40% reduction in sepsis deaths was achieved through simple steps, including increased training and a special observation chart. Standardized treatment plans can increase survival rates and reduce mortality from serious infections.
The NIH has selected winning teams from a nationwide undergraduate biomedical engineering design competition for their innovative solutions to various healthcare challenges. The designs showcased promising technologies for diagnosing diseases such as tuberculosis and sepsis, with potential to save millions of lives.
A new medical device that combines laser spectroscopy and precise flow measurement has shown promise in improving care for shock patients. The device, which fits into a standard ventilation tube, allows doctors to monitor oxygen consumption in real-time, potentially leading to more effective treatment.
A multidisciplinary team of UCSB faculty members and clinicians will conduct biomedical research on sepsis, a severe response to infections, thanks to a $12.8 million NIH grant. The program aims to develop radically different approaches to treating sepsis, with the goal of reducing disability and death.
Researchers discovered gut bacteria in the deepest reaches of failing lungs, which was previously thought to be an impossible environment for them. The more severe critical illness, the more gut bugs outnumbered usual lung bacteria.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new potential avenue for controlling severe bacterial infections and sepsis. The study reveals that a protein fragment called gasdermin-D-NT can kill both bacteria and infected cells, offering a defense against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at University of Birmingham develop test to predict sepsis in burn victims using biomarkers of neutrophil function. The test shows promise in identifying patients at risk of developing sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
A novel on-chip microscope made from consumer electronics enables simultaneous measurement of nanometer-thick changes over a large volume in transparent objects. The device utilizes phase-shifting interferometry and offers unprecedented field-of-view and depth-of-field capabilities, making it suitable for point-of-care applications.
A rapid and specific diagnostic assay can detect pathogens in blood within an hour, distinguishing between infectious and non-infectious causes of inflammation. The assay uses FcMBL, a genetically engineered pathogen-binding protein, to identify infection-causing pathogens with high sensitivity and broad specificity.
The Wyss Institute aims to discover why some individuals tolerate infectious pathogens while others exhibit life-threatening responses, which could inform the development of novel therapies. The project will search for and identify examples of tolerance across several species through experiments with clinically-relevant pathogens.
Researchers investigated late mortality rates among sepsis survivors and found a high rate of death within two years. The study suggests that pre-existing health conditions do not explain the increased risk of late death after sepsis, implying that treatments may be more effective than previously thought.
Researchers have identified a method to scavenge inflammatory molecules that mediate sepsis in mice, using the protein haptoglobin. Haptoglobin-based therapies could potentially be used to treat HMGB1-mediated inflammatory diseases such as sepsis.
Gram-negative bacteria use vesicles to communicate with and influence neighboring cells, triggering a deadly response in the body. The vesicles can lead to inflammation, fever, and low blood pressure, making sepsis difficult to cure.
A study led by the University of Edinburgh's MRC Centre for Inflammation Research discovered a mechanism to keep bacteria in the gut. The researchers found that PGE2 activates innate lymphoid cells, which help maintain the gut barrier and prevent body-wide inflammation.
A new method using mass spectrometry measures hundreds of proteins in a single blood sample, enabling researchers to determine the severity of sepsis and which organs are damaged. This technique provides an understanding of molecular events during the course of a disease, with potential applications for studying other diseases.
A rapid molecular assay using RNA biomarkers in blood can differentiate sepsis from infection-negative systemic inflammation more accurately and quickly than traditional methods. The assay, known as SeptiCyte Lab, was validated in independent cohorts and showed high sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers at SLU are developing a biomarker to help diagnose sepsis early and improve treatment outcomes. Chlorinated lipids may hold the key to this discovery, as they appear under conditions of inflammation.
A hospital surveillance program utilizing a two-stage Clinical Decision Support (CDS) system reduced the risk of adverse outcomes, such as death and hospice discharge for sepsis patients, by 30%. The study found that 61% of patients who first activated the alert had SIRS syndrome, an early physiologic response to infection.
Researchers found that a collaborative culture between ED and ICU led to reduced mortality, ICU length of stay, and intermediate care unit transfers in patients with sepsis. The study showed a significant decrease in mortality by 45.4% and ICU length of stay by 25.9%, resulting in cost savings for hospitals.
A retrospective chart review found that sicker patients were quickly triaged to the ICU and had a shorter ED length of stay. Initial lactate value ≥4 and shorter ED stays were associated with higher mortality rates.
Bingbang Xiang discovered that platelets play a protective role in severe sepsis by producing anti-inflammatory agents to prevent immune cells from becoming too active. His findings suggest that platelet transfusions may be effective for treating severely septic patients.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a novel anti-inflammatory nanoparticle that shows promise in treating sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), two leading causes of death in hospitalised patients. The treatment, known as SAN101, has the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent organ failure.
Researchers found that group B streptococcus mutations can promote virulence in infants, particularly after the first few days of life. The study identified specific genomic changes associated with increased virulence, highlighting the need for better therapeutic interventions against neonatal GBS infections.
A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that liver activation is essential for maintaining adequate immune responses in the lungs against bacterial pneumonia. The study used a model system to demonstrate how a lack of liver response increases susceptibility to pneumonia.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered that nuclear proteins called histones induce damage to heart muscle cells in sepsis. Histone levels in blood can predict which patients are at risk of developing deadly heart complications. The study also identified a novel targeted treatment using specific antibodies.
A new UCLA study found that sepsis accounts for a significant percentage of hospital readmissions in California, with an estimated annual cost of $500 million. The study also revealed disparities in readmission rates among different demographics, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this critical issue.
A new University of Michigan and VA study suggests that hospital stays can increase the risk of sepsis in older adults by disrupting their gut microbiome. The research found that older adults are three times more likely to develop sepsis within 90 days of hospitalization, especially after care that alters the balance of microbes.
Duke University researchers identified physiological changes affecting patients with acute kidney injury during sepsis treatment, potentially improving patient survival rates after kidney failure. The study showed that kidney function is a critical determinant of how patients respond to treatment.
A study found that readmissions for severe sepsis are comparable to those for heart failure and pneumonia, highlighting the significant burden of this condition. Researchers analyzed inpatient discharges from Bellevue Hospital between 2011-2014 and identified a readmission rate of 15.31%.
Researchers found a specific pattern of gene activity that distinguishes between sepsis and sterile inflammation, allowing for more accurate diagnosis. The study analyzed over 2,900 blood samples from nearly 1,600 patients to identify the genetic signature, which could lead to development of a diagnostic blood test.
A new study found a significant decline in hospital mortality rates among patients with cirrhosis and liver failure. The study analyzed over 780,000 hospitalizations and found that inpatient mortality decreased steadily during the period, despite increases in patient age and medical complexity.
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition causing widespread inflammation and organ failure, is poorly understood despite being one of the best-known medical disorders. The Lancet Infectious Diseases Commission recommends prioritizing biomarkers, education, and public awareness to improve diagnosis and treatment.