Functional outcomes in children with severe sepsis – A prospective observational study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate functional outcomes in children with severe sepsis and septic shock admitted to the PICU using Pediatric Overall Performance Category Scale (POPC) and Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) scales at discharge/death as compared to baseline scores. Methods: We conducted this prospective observational study from October 2017 to June 2018. Children aged 2 months to 17 years admitted to PICU with severe sepsis and septic shock were enrolled. Data collection included demographic and clinical details and POPC and PCPC scores. Data was analyzed using stata 11. Results: A total of 96 children were enrolled. Sixty nine % had septic shock and 31% had severe sepsis. Twenty four (25%) died. The Median (IQR) POPC and PCPC scores at admission were – 3 (1 to 4). The POPC and PCPC scores at discharge/death were 2 (1 to 5) and 2 ( 1 to 6) respectively. At admission 49% had a baseline POPC and PCPC score of ≥ ≥ 2 and at discharge/death 59 (61%) had a POPC and PCPC score of ≥ ≥2. Conclusion: The functional outcomes of children admitted to the PICU with severe sepsis and septic shock were poor with more than half having mild to severe disability or death.