Researchers analyzed over 7,000 patient encounters with severe sepsis or septic shock, finding that 68% of patients without shock did not receive an ICD diagnosis code. Patients assigned codes had a higher mortality rate, ICU admission rate, and hospital length of stay compared to those identified by clinical criteria alone.
Sepsis occurs when molecules released into the bloodstream to fight an injury or infection trigger inflammation throughout the body. The new definitions provide detailed measurements for identifying sepsis in adults, including the use of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and clinical criteria such as respiratory rate...
The updated definitions aim to facilitate early identification of patients at risk of developing sepsis, with a new bedside clinical score termed qSOFA. The revised criteria also acknowledge the importance of molecular and cellular characterization in sepsis management.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a research-based guidance to improve compliance when treating septic patients. The guidance, which incorporates high-profile clinical trials, aims to aid hospitals in implementing the National Quality Forum's Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a computer-based method to predict hospital patients at risk of septic shock with 85% accuracy. The Targeted Real-time Early Warning Score (TREWScore) combines 27 factors into a predictive score, detecting septic shock before organ dysfunction in over two-thirds of cases.
Sepsis can be a complication of almost any type of infection, including influenza. Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Steve Peters explains the difference between severe sepsis and septic shock, symptoms to watch for, and treatment options.
A new study by Penn Medicine researchers reveals that septic shock survivors have a higher risk of readmission within 30 days, often due to life-threatening complications. The findings highlight the need for improved patient education and discharge planning to prevent readmissions.
A new blood test helps solve the dilemma of confounded clinical trials for septic shock by identifying low-risk and high-risk patients. The tool combines five protein biomarkers to accurately estimate mortality risk and determine which patients should receive experimental therapeutic intervention.
A large-scale randomized trial found that sepsis patients receive effective care regardless of treatment protocol, resolving a long-standing debate. The ProCESS trial showed no significant differences in survival rates among three groups: Early Goal-Directed Therapy, Protocolized Standard Care, and Standard Care.
Researchers found a decline in absolute mortality from severe sepsis, decreasing from 35.0% to 18.4%, resulting in a relative risk reduction of 47.5%. The annual decrease in mortality was consistent across various diagnoses and hospital settings.
Researchers at VIB and UGent have discovered a potential novel treatment for sepsis by neutralizing two harmful cytokines in the blood circulation. This approach may benefit from existing anti-cytokine treatments already in clinical use, offering renewed hope for combating this life-threatening disease.
A special focus issue on sepsis investigates the complex interplay between pathogens and host defense mechanisms that contribute to septic shock. Key findings highlight the importance of early recognition and improved therapies for managing multi-organ dysfunction.
A randomized study found that patients treated with esmolol achieved a target heart rate of 80-94 beats per minute, compared to 95/min in the control group. The study also showed improved mortality rates and overall survival among those receiving esmolol.
A study of nearly 8,000 septic shock patients found that the anatomic source of infection significantly impacts hospital mortality, with certain sites associated with higher or lower chances of survival. Infections related to hydronephrosis were linked to the highest chance of survival, while those in ischemic bowel had the lowest.
A study comparing sepsis mortality rates in Europe and the US found higher mortality rates in Europe, but differences may reflect varying critical care approaches rather than healthcare quality. The study also revealed disparities in ICU admission and length of stay between the two regions.
Research suggests obese patients may have an advantage over nonobese patients in certain health situations, such as septic shock and acute asthma exacerbation. Obese individuals experience lower mortality rates and fewer near-fatal exacerbations compared to nonobese patients.
A study published in Molecular Medicine found that blocking the GRP receptor reduces extreme immune response elements and reveals a new inflammatory pathway. The research also shows that patients with septic shock have higher levels of GRP, which may explain their multiple organ dysfunctions.
External cooling in sedated septic shock patients decreases vasopressor requirements and early mortality, increasing the rate of shock reversal and decreasing day-14 mortality. The study's findings suggest that fever control using external cooling is safe and may improve patient outcomes.
A tele-ICU service in Georgia reduced hospital transfers and saved $240,000 by providing guideline-recommended treatments within 24 hours. Researchers also found that serum albumin levels can help differentiate between types of shock, improving outcomes.
Researchers have identified a roundworm protein that can suppress systemic inflammation caused by sepsis, providing new potential treatment options. The protein, ES-62, triggers autophagy, a process that clears damage and promotes cell survival during stress situations.
A study of CAM treatment in children found that adverse events were common and often related to CAM use; 64% of cases were rated as severe or life-threatening. The authors suggest empowering families with discussions about medication changes, but note that many parents continue to use CAM despite medical advice
Sepsis and septic shock are common complications in general surgery patients, with a death rate of approximately 34% within 30 days. The study identified risk factors for sepsis and septic shock, including age, emergency surgery, and co-occurring illness.
A randomized trial compared two resuscitation protocols targeting lactate clearance versus central venous oxygen saturation in patients with severe sepsis, showing similar short-term survival rates. The study supports the use of lactate measurements as a safe and efficacious alternative to traditional methods.
Treating adults with septic shock with intensive insulin therapy did not result in a reduced risk of in-hospital death compared to conventional insulin therapy. Patients treated with intensive insulin experienced significantly more episodes of severe hypoglycemia than those in the conventional treatment group.
The Surviving Sepsis Campaign has been shown to improve sepsis treatment, with a significant increase in compliance with performance measures and a decline in hospital mortality rates from 37% to 30.8%. The campaign's updated guidelines are endorsed by 18 professional societies and hospital networks globally.
Researchers at VIB and Ghent University discovered that inducing nitric oxide release in mice with septic shock significantly reduces organ damage and increases survival chances. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that nitric oxide is responsible for the condition's severity.
A 'surviving sepsis' program improved patient outcomes by increasing compliance with guidelines and reducing in-hospital mortality. The study found a significant improvement in intensive care unit patients, with a notable 45% risk reduction for death.
Researchers found that a novel therapy combining antibiotic-based hemoperfusion with conventional treatment significantly reduced mortality and improved blood circulation and organ function in patients with severe sepsis. The study's results suggest potential benefits for endotoxin-targeted therapy in septic shock.
Researchers discovered an immune system protein called interleukin-8 (IL-8) as a powerful predictor of survival in children with septic shock. Measuring IL-8 levels can predict with 95% accuracy which children can survive through conventional antibiotics and therapies for at least 28 days following admission.
A national education program improved sepsis guideline adherence and reduced hospital mortality rates. Compliance with resuscitation procedures declined after one year, but management bundle adherence remained stable.
Researchers found vasopressin significantly reduces blood flow to vital organs like the liver and pancreas, but not the heart. The study used pigs to test vasopressin's effects on sepsis and found severe disturbances in blood flow.
A gene expression pattern linked to decreased zinc regulation could provide a therapeutic target for treating septic shock. The study identified 63 genes expressed differently in patients with septic shock, including two forms of metallothionein associated with increased death risk.
A new treatment protocol for sepsis, known as Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT), has been shown to reduce hospital mortality rates by 33%. By implementing EGDT as a routine protocol in emergency departments, patients can experience improved outcomes and reduced costs.
Researchers have identified the AUF1 gene as a key susceptibility factor for septic shock, which claims thousands of lives annually. By targeting this gene, scientists hope to develop new treatments to combat the deadly condition.
The University of Pittsburgh will lead a multidisciplinary consortium to investigate and determine the best methods for treating sepsis, a life-threatening disease affecting 750,000 Americans annually. The $8.4 million NIH grant aims to identify the ideal way to stop sepsis in its tracks and improve survival rates.
The study found that Nrf2 plays a crucial role in regulating the body's inflammatory response and protecting against oxidative stress. Mice deficient in Nrf2 expressed increased levels of cytokines, leading to early death in sepsis cases, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers propose a mechanism by which mifepristone increases the risk of fatal C. sordellii infections, including septic shock and death. The antiprogesterone effects of mifepristone may disrupt immune function, allowing bacteria to thrive in the cervical canal.
Researchers find that low-dose hydrocortisone infusion speeds up pneumonia resolution and prevents sepsis-related complications. Sildenafil protects against altitude-induced pulmonary problems, improves gas exchange, and limits hypoxemia. Patient segregation reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa transmission in cystic fibrosis patients
A large study of 100,544 ICU admissions found that septic shock mortality decreased from 62.1% in 1993 to 55.9% in 2000, but its frequency increased due to more multi-resistant bacterial strains. The use of vasopressor therapy and mechanical ventilation also increased during this period.
Researchers have identified a new treatment approach that could reverse the dramatic blood pressure drop associated with septic shock by removing excess superoxide free radicals. The treatment, a MetaPhore SOD mimetic, restored norepinephrine's ability to constrict blood vessels and reversed hypotension in rat models of septic shock.
A team of researchers discovered that malfunctions in the Tlr4 gene set the stage for septic shock, an often-fatal consequence of widespread bacterial infection. Identifying individuals susceptible to septic shock could lead to preemptive treatment with antibiotics and development of new drugs.