The Confusing State of Sepsis Definition SUMMARY There is large variability in incidence and clinical outcome (including mortality) in sepsis patients based on the definition used. The differing definitions make it difficult for providers and health systems to: Evaluate outcomes such as Time-Zero, mortality and length of stay Implement quality improvement initiatives Compare results
Low Agreement in Sepsis Time-Zero Determination SUMMARY Variability in time-zero determination may limit the interpretation of pass/fail sepsis bundle compliance. Three different definitions exist to meet time-zero criteria. There is wide variability between clinicians and abstractors in determining time-zero with poor interrater reliability. BACKGROUND Sepsis bundle compliance is a timed
4 Ways COVID-19 is Similar to Sepsis SUMMARY A number of common features are shared by severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and sepsis. Organ dysfunction caused by COVID-19 can be depicted as viral sepsis As a syndrome, both COVID-19 and sepsis present with a heterogeneous physiologic and alterations in biochemical values.
The Health Burden of Sepsis After Hospitalization SUMMARY A number of health complications are known to develop after an episode of sepsis referred to as the "Post-Sepsis Syndrome" There is inconclusive data if the syndrome is attributable to the sepsis episode or pre-existing co-morbidities. Increased risk of mortality, readmission, length of stay, cost of
Septic Shock: The Balance Between Fluid and Vasopressor Administration on Mortality SUMMARY Increasing doses of vasopressors within the first 6 hours are associated with increased mortality unless paired with at least 2,000 mL of fluid administration. Increasing vasopressor doses are associated with increasing mortality over the first 24 hours of septic shock. Additional evaluations
Efforts to Improve Sepsis Outcomes Before Hospitalization SUMMARY Most sepsis cases begin outside the hospital with a diverse range of clinical findings. Evaluation of sepsis patients should include administrative claims data coupled with physiologic and laboratory data. Characterization of sepsis prior to hospitalization can highlight key areas for education and preemptive care to improve
Can Progression from Sepsis to Septic Shock be Predicted? SUMMARY Approximately 10% of patients with sepsis will progress to septic shock. Septic Shock is associated with a high mortality rate of approximately 38%. Limited data exists determining which patients are at risk of progressing from sepsis to septic shock. A multi-centered large cohort of
Optimal Antimicrobial Treatment Duration in Sepsis SUMMARY There is limited guidance on the optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy for sepsis patients. Prolonged courses in severely ill patients is a common occurrence. With a lack of data, clinicians are left to consider a number of factors to define an adequate treatment course. BACKGROUND There is
Evaluation of Risk Adjustment on Hospital Sepsis Mortality SUMMARY The lack of a validated sepsis risk adjustment tool does not allow for a comparison of clinical outcomes across sites. Risk adjustment allows the evaluation of additional improvements such as identifying best practices, areas for improvement. A recent risk adjustment tool has been validated which
Association Between Temperature and Sepsis Mortality SUMMARY Temperature is an important determinant in sepsis patients. Hyperthermia is not the sole factor impacting outcomes. Hypothermia as well as normothermia contribute to poorer outcomes and need to be considered in any clinical assessment. BACKGROUND Body temperature (Bt) is a frequently measured integral vital sign. An ele
