Articles tagged with Sepsis
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A review emphasizes the importance of accurate blood pressure measurement for early diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. It identifies factors leading to inaccuracies and calls for more well-designed studies on optimal vital sign predictors to guide assessment in obstetric shock.
A Monash University study reviewed over a million ICU patients in Australia and New Zealand, finding one in eight did not meet current sepsis criteria. The classic definition of sepsis may be missing critically ill patients, particularly the elderly or those on medications that affect heart rate or immune systems.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that Interleukin-3 (IL-3) promotes the production of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils, which contribute to the 'cytokine storm' that underlies sepsis. Higher IL-3 levels in human patients with sepsis are associated with a greater risk of death.
A new study found that nearly 42% of sepsis survivors are readmitted to the hospital within three months for preventable conditions, with a focus on kidney or lung failure and infections. Researchers suggest that targeted post-hospital care could help avoid these expensive rehospitalizations.
A recent study found that approximately 40 percent of hospitalizations for severe sepsis can be prevented or treated early to avoid rehospitalization. The most common readmission diagnoses included ambulatory care sensitive conditions such as heart failure and pneumonia.
Researchers found that sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, induced the liver to produce greater amounts of cyclic GMP, reducing TNF signaling and preventing liver damage. Experiments with human liver cells also showed the protective effects of the drug.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that UCP2 induces fatty acid synthesis, activating inflammatory pathways in patients with sepsis. Lack of UCP2 improved survival in a mouse model of sepsis, suggesting UCP2 as a potential therapeutic target.
New research suggests CD39, an enzyme capable of clearing high levels of adenosine triphosphate from the bloodstream, significantly improves survival of mice in severe sepsis. This discovery holds promise for effective treatment and reduction of costs associated with septic patients in intensive care units.
Dr. Felix Ikuomola, a PhD candidate, is searching for natural products from Hawaii's oceans that can block sepsis by inhibiting endothelial cell permeability. His work aims to provide treatment options for the leading cause of death in the US and a major complication of cancer.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a potential biomarker for sepsis in patients with major burns. By analyzing the movement of white blood cells called neutrophils, they found that changes in their motility patterns may predict the development of sepsis, which is a leading cause of death among burn patients.
A new rapid test developed by University of British Columbia researchers can predict severe sepsis within an hour, allowing timely treatment to begin. The genetic signature associated with the disease has been identified and can be tested as soon as a patient arrives in the emergency ward.
The study developed a prediction tool that uses laboratory and vital-sign data to identify hospital patients at risk for sepsis. The tool resulted in faster sepsis identification, increased orders for diagnostic tests, and more timely administration of antibiotics and intravenous fluids.
Sepsis affects more hospital patients than any other diagnosis, with half of all in-hospital deaths involving the condition. Researchers say a national system is needed to hold hospitals accountable for sepsis diagnosis and care, building on lessons from heart attack treatment.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found that PTX3, a protein involved in innate immunity, can reduce mortality from sepsis by protecting endothelial cells from damage. The study's findings suggest that PTX3 may be used to develop a novel therapy for sepsis.
The biospleen device uses magnetic beads coated with genetically engineered MBL proteins to remove pathogens and toxins from the blood. In laboratory tests, it filtered out over 90% of key sepsis pathogens within five hours.
A new app-device can quickly and accurately measure two key signs of sepsis, a leading cause of death worldwide. The device has the potential to save over 6 million children in developing countries, where sepsis accounts for 60-80% of all deaths.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that patients with sepsis who are treated at high-volume hospitals have a 36% increase in their odds of inpatient survival compared to those treated at lower-volume hospitals. The study suggests that regionalized severe sepsis care centers may improve outcomes for critically ill patients.
Researchers found that fibroblastic reticular cells from lymph nodes improved survival in mouse models of sepsis, even when treatment was delayed by up to 16 hours. FRC administration prevented damage to the spleen and death of immune cells, leading to reduced bacterial levels in the bloodstream.
A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that heavier patients are more likely to survive sepsis, a life-threatening infection. This obesity paradox challenges conventional wisdom and may improve care for all patients with sepsis and other critical illnesses.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine have identified a key component of the immune system that is essential for preventing deadly inflammation. Mice lacking this component are completely resistant to sepsis, a potentially fatal complication of infection.
Researchers have created a device using microchannel technology that can remove endotoxins from blood, preventing sepsis. The technology may offer an alternative to antibiotics and could be used as a prophylactic treatment.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine links prolonged sepsis episodes to the reactivation of dormant viruses in the body. The research suggests that drugs to rev up the immune system could be incorporated into treatment for prolonged sepsis, potentially saving lives.
A new study reveals that late-stage sepsis triggers the reactivation of dormant viruses in the body, leading to secondary infections. Researchers found that 43% of sepsis patients had multiple viruses detected in their blood or urine.
Despite improvements in supportive care, the mortality rate remains high due to sepsis. Statin therapy showed no significant difference in outcomes for patients with sepsis and ARDS, highlighting the need for further research into alternative treatments.
A study published in JAMA found that sepsis is a major contributor to hospital mortality, with approximately 1 in 2 to 3 deaths attributed to the condition. Most patients who died from sepsis had the condition present at admission. The study highlights the need for improved standardized care for patients with less severe sepsis.
A review by Kevin J. Tracey, MD, and Clifford S. Deutschman argues that treatment for sepsis is nonspecific and limited to organ support, with no approved drugs targeting the condition. Instead, a new approach focusing on immunometabolic and neurophysiological mechanisms may be needed.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found three types of potentially harmful gut microbes in preterm babies who developed late-onset sepsis: E. coli, group B strep, and S. marcescens. These findings suggest new strategies to detect and prevent severe bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Researchers characterized the gut bacteria of premature infants who developed sepsis, suggesting a new approach to early detection and prevention. Genetic matches were found between bacteria in stool samples and those in blood samples, indicating that gut bacteria are responsible for these infections.
A Rutgers-led study finds acupuncture can reduce inflammation and organ injury in septic mice, with half surviving for at least a week. The treatment also triggers increased levels of dopamine, which may help alleviate other inflammatory diseases like arthritis and Crohn's disease.
A Japanese study found that sarcopenia, a loss of skeletal muscle mass, increases the risk of sepsis and mortality in patients undergoing live donor liver transplantation. Early nutritional support with enteral nutrition reduced sepsis rates in these patients. Treating malnutrition may reduce mortality risk following transplantation.
A recent study led by Boston University School of Medicine found that hospitals caring for more sepsis patients have significantly lower mortality rates than those with lower volumes. The superior outcomes were achieved at similar costs, suggesting improved processes of care for patients with severe sepsis.
A new receptor, similar to those for endorphins or morphine, has been discovered to play a crucial role in the body's response to sepsis. Blocking this receptor may help reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for critically ill patients suffering from sepsis.