Early Management Of Sepsis Research Articles

Role of C-reactive Protein and Procalcitonin in Early Diagnostic Accuracy and Their Prognostic Significance in Sepsis.

Sepsis is a serious condition that often results in high fatality rates, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). Its nonspecific clinical characteristics makes early diagnosis and therapy difficult, despite how critical they are. The use of biomarkers like procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis has demonstrated encouraging results. In contrast to PCT, which is highly selective for bacterial infections, CRP is an acute-phase protein that reflects systemic inflammation. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic significance of CRP and PCT in early sepsis detection and outcome prediction. This study was a retrospective cohort study that involved 90 patients in the ICU who met the criteria for sepsis-3. CRP and PCT levels, clinical data, and outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. The diagnostic accuracy was tested using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, while the prognostic relevance was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression. The mean CRP level was 102.3 mg/L and PCT level was 5.4 ng/mL. ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 for CRP and 0.82 for PCT, indicating better diagnostic performance for PCT. High levels of CRP and PCT were associated with poorer survival, with median survival times of 18 and 15 days, respectively, for high-level groups. Cox regression identified CRP and PCT as significant predictors of mortality, with hazard ratios of 1.50 and 1.68, respectively. Both CRP and PCT are valuable biomarkers for diagnosing and prognosticating sepsis. PCT, with its higher specificity for bacterial infections, demonstrates superior diagnostic accuracy compared to CRP. Elevated levels of both biomarkers are associated with increased mortality risk, highlighting their potential role in early sepsis management and outcome prediction.

Acute Management of Sepsis beyond 24 Hours.

Sepsis manifests as a dysregulated immune response to an infection, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death or long-term health issues. Sepsis remains a major health challenge globally, causing approximately 50 million cases and 11 million deaths annually. Early management of sepsis focuses on source control, antimicrobial treatment, and supporting vital organ function. Subsequent care includes metabolic, nutritional, and immune therapies to address the complex needs of septic patients. Metabolic management is based on obtaining moderate glucose targets. Nutritional support aims to mitigate hypercatabolism and muscle wasting, but aggressive early nutrition does not improve outcomes and could even be harmful. Immune modulation is crucial due to the dual nature of sepsis-induced immune responses. Corticosteroids have shown benefits in shock and organ dysfunction reversal and in mortality reduction with current guidelines recommending them in vasopressor therapy-dependent patients. In conclusion, sepsis management beyond the initial hours requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on metabolic, nutritional, and immune system support tailored to individual patient needs to enhance survival and recovery.

Improving Early Sepsis & Severe Sepsis Identification and Management on Internal Medicine service at the Detroit John D. Dingell VA Medical Center

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to infection, with an incidence of nearly 50 million people each year, causing about 11 million in mortality worldwide. Adhering to Sepsis protocols is a quality metric monitored by both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) via the SEP 1 measure and the VA Healthcare System through SEP 90, which consists of an all-or-nothing score comprised of individual metrics. These metrics include specific actions such as early management bundle utilization, lactate monitoring, timely fluid resuscitation, and vasopressor administration, all within defined timeframes. Based on FY 2023 Data, the John D. Dingell VAMC performed nationally in the last quintile with > 72% fallouts. Given that the vast majority of our Sepsis patients are treated and managed by the inpatient Internal Medicine resident service, we initiated a Quality Improvement project to educate them and thereby decrease our number of fallouts. We aim to improve Sepsis, severe Sepsis, & Septic shock Identification and Management by 50% over the course of 8 months on the internal medicine service. Methods: Internal medicine residents are central to the identification and management of early Sepsis and Severe Sepsis at the Detroit VA. Given the monthly turnover of resident teams, we focused on our model for improvement on interventions at the start of each month with targeted educational sessions to define Sepsis, severe Sepsis, and septic shock (and their management). We have also implemented targeted EMR training on utilizing a recently developed “Sepsis Bundle order set” for patients who have been identified as Sepsis. Sepsis Menu data usage was collected based on health factor tags on patients with Sepsis as their ICD-10 code on discharge from the internal medicine service. Results: Internal Medicine Resident educational sessions and EMR training commenced on July 1st, 2024. Sepsis Bundle was implemented in the EMR late 2022 due to rising fallouts of Sepsis and severe sepsis cases. However, its usage remained minimal, as depicted in Figure One, when compared to the number of discharged patients. Following the educational sessions and EMR training, both the identification and management of Sepsis have increased. Prior to intervention, from October 2022 to June 2023, a mean sepsis bundle usage rate of 10% was observed for identified sepsis patients, whereas post-intervention, from July 2023 to March 2024, the mean has increased to 30%. Conclusion/Discussion: Based on the early data, we can confidently note that our monthly education sessions, paired with our process measure (Sepsis bundle use), have been effective. Ongoing opportunities for improvement are improved coordination and handoff between ER and IM/MICU. We continue to see the need for ongoing resident education on identification and appropriate documentation of Sepsis severity along with obtaining labs within a certain time frame.

Understanding How Clinicians Personalize Fluid and Vasopressor Decisions in Early Sepsis Management

Recent sepsis trials suggest that fluid-liberal vs fluid-restrictive resuscitation has similar outcomes. These trials used generalized approaches to resuscitation, and little is known about how clinicians personalize fluid and vasopressor administration in practice. To understand how clinicians personalize decisions about resuscitation in practice. This survey study of US clinicians in the Society of Critical Care Medicine membership roster was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023. Surveys contained 10 vignettes of patients with sepsis where pertinent clinical factors (eg, fluid received and volume status) were randomized. Respondents selected the next steps in management. Data analysis was conducted from February to September 2023. Online Qualtrics clinical vignette survey. Using multivariable logistic regression, the associations of clinical factors with decisions about fluid administration, vasopressor initiation, and vasopressor route were tested. Results are presented as adjusted proportions with 95% CIs. Among 11 203 invited clinicians, 550 (4.9%; 261 men [47.5%] and 192 women [34.9%]; 173 with >15 years of practice [31.5%]) completed at least 1 vignette and were included. A majority were physicians (337 respondents [61.3%]) and critical care trained (369 respondents [67.1%]). Fluid volume already received by a patient was associated with resuscitation decisions. After 1 L of fluid, an adjusted 82.5% (95% CI, 80.2%-84.8%) of respondents prescribed additional fluid and an adjusted 55.0% (95% CI, 51.9%-58.1%) initiated vasopressors. After 5 L of fluid, an adjusted 17.5% (95% CI, 15.1%-19.9%) of respondents prescribed more fluid while an adjusted 92.7% (95% CI, 91.1%-94.3%) initiated vasopressors. More respondents prescribed fluid when the patient examination found dry vs wet (ie, overloaded) volume status (adjusted proportion, 66.9% [95% CI, 62.5%-71.2%] vs adjusted proportion, 26.5% [95% CI, 22.3%-30.6%]). Medical history, respiratory status, lactate trend, and acute kidney injury had small associations with fluid and vasopressor decisions. In 1023 of 1127 vignettes (90.8%) where the patient did not have central access, respondents were willing to start vasopressors through a peripheral intravenous catheter. In cases where patients were already receiving peripheral norepinephrine, respondents were more likely to place a central line at higher norepinephrine doses of 0.5 µg/kg/min (adjusted proportion, 78.0%; 95% CI, 74.7%-81.2%) vs 0.08 µg/kg/min (adjusted proportion, 25.2%; 95% CI, 21.8%-28.5%) and after 24 hours (adjusted proportion, 59.5%; 95% CI, 56.6%-62.5%) vs 8 hours (adjusted proportion, 47.1%; 95% CI, 44.0%-50.1%). These findings suggest that fluid volume received is the predominant factor associated with ongoing fluid and vasopressor decisions, outweighing many other clinical factors. Peripheral vasopressor use is common. Future studies aimed at personalizing resuscitation must account for fluid volumes and should incorporate specific tools to help clinicians personalize resuscitation.

Assessment of implementation methods in sepsis: study protocol for a cluster-randomized hybrid type 2 trial

BackgroundSepsis is the leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and ICU death. In recognition of the burden of sepsis, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement developed sepsis “bundles” (goals to accomplish over a specific time period) to facilitate SSC guideline implementation in clinical practice. Using the SSC 3-h bundle as a base, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services developed a 3-h sepsis bundle that has become the national standard for early management of sepsis. Emerging observational data, from an analysis conducted for the AIMS grant application, suggest there may be additional mortality benefit from even earlier implementation of the 3-h bundle, i.e., the 1-h bundle.MethodThe primary aims of this randomized controlled trial are to: (1) examine the effect on clinical outcomes of Emergency Department initiation of the elements of the 3-h bundle within the traditional 3 h versus initiating within 1 h of sepsis recognition and (2) examine the extent to which a rigorous implementation strategy will improve implementation and compliance with both the 1-h bundle and the 3-h bundle. This study will be entirely conducted in the Emergency Department at 18 sites. A secondary aim is to identify clinical sepsis phenotypes and their impact on treatment outcomes.DiscussionThis cluster-randomized trial, employing implementation science methodology, is timely and important to the field. The hybrid effectiveness-implementation design is likely to have an impact on clinical practice in sepsis management by providing a rigorous evaluation of the 1- and 3-h bundles.FundingNHLBI R01HL162954.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05491941. Registered on August 8, 2022.

The Effect of Fluid Resuscitation Timing in Early Sepsis Resuscitation.

The dose and timing of early fluid resuscitation in sepsis remains a debated topic. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of fluid timing in early sepsis management on mortality and other clinical outcomes. Single-center, retrospective cohort study of emergency-department-treated adults (>18 years, n = 1032) presenting with severe sepsis or septic shock. Logistic regression evaluating the impact of 30 mL/kg crystalloids timing and mortality-versus-time plot controlling for mortality in emergency department sepsis score, lactate, antibiotic timing, obesity, sex, systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, hypotension, and heart and renal failures. This study is a subanalysis of a previously published investigation. Mortality was 17.1% (n = 176) overall and 20.4% (n = 133 of 653) among those in septic shock. 30 mL/kg was given to 16.9%, 32.2%, 16.2%, 14.5%, and 20.3% of patients within ≤1, 1 ≤ 3, 3 ≤ 6, 6 ≤ 24, and not reached within 24 h, respectively. A 24-h plot of adjusted mortality versus time did not reach significance, but within the first 12 h, the linear function showed a per-hour mortality increase (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.67) which peaks around 5h, although the quadratic function does not reach significance (P = .09). When compared to patients receiving 30 mL/kg within 1 h, increased mortality was observed when not reached within 24 h (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.37-5.37) but no difference when receiving this volume between 1 and 3 (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.62-2.01), 3 and 6 (OR 1.83, 95% CI 0.97-3.52), or 6 and 24 h (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.75-3.06). Receiving 30 mL/kg between 1 and 3 versus <1 h increased the incidence of delayed hypotension (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.23-2.72) but did not impact need for intubation, intensive care unit admission, or vasopressors. We observed weak evidence that supports that earlier is better for survival when reaching fluid goals of 30 mL/kg, but benefits may wane at later time points. These findings should be viewed as hypothesis generating.

406EMF Early Fluid Delivery by Emergency Medical Services for Sepsis Using a Novel Rapid Infusion Device

406EMF Early Fluid Delivery by Emergency Medical Services for Sepsis Using a Novel Rapid Infusion Device

Selenocompounds and Sepsis-Redox Bypass Hypothesis: Part B-Selenocompounds in the Management of Early Sepsis.

Significance: Endothelial barrier damage, which is in part caused by excess production of reactive oxygen, halogen and nitrogen species (ROHNS), especially peroxynitrite (ONOO-), is a major event in early sepsis and, with leukocyte hyperactivation, part of the generalized dysregulated immune response to infection, which may even become a complex maladaptive state. Selenoenzymes have major antioxidant functions. Their synthesis is related to the need to limit deleterious oxidant redox cycling by small selenocompounds, which may be of therapeutic cytotoxic interest. Plasma selenoprotein-P is crucial for selenium transport from the liver to the tissues and for antioxidant endothelial protection, especially against ONOO-. Above micromolar concentrations, sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) becomes cytotoxic, with a lower cytotoxicity threshold in activated cells, which has led to cancer research. Recent Advances: Plasma selenium (<2% of total body selenium) is mainly contained in selenoprotein-P, and concentrations decrease rapidly in the early phase of sepsis, because of increased selenoprotein-P binding and downregulation of hepatic synthesis and excretion. At low concentrations, Na2SeO3 acts as a selenium donor, favoring selenoprotein-P synthesis in physiology, but probably not in the acute phase of sepsis. Critical Issues: The cytotoxic effects of Na2SeO3 against hyperactivated leukocytes, especially the most immature forms that liberate ROHNS, may be beneficial, but they may also be harmful for activated endothelial cells. Endothelial protection against ROHNS by selenoprotein-P may reduce Na2SeO3 toxicity, which is increased in sepsis. Future Direction: The combination of selenoprotein-P for endothelial protection and the cytotoxic effects of Na2SeO3 against hyperactivated leukocytes may be a promising intervention for early sepsis. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 998-1029.

Nurse-Midwives’ knowledge and practices about immediate newborn care

Newborn is considered to be small and incapable, totally dependent on other for lifetime; within one minute of labor the normal new born baby adjusts from a reliant on serious lifespan to an independent one; ready to breathing and carriage on life route. Newborn care is crucial. Clean cord care, thermal care, including drying and covering the newborn vaginal delivery and trying to delay the newborn's first bath for at least 24 hours (sometimes several days to minimize hypothermia risk), and beginning of breastfeeding within the first one hour of birth, management of instantaneous asphyxia, and management of early sepsis are all interventions to reduce newborn morbidity and mortality. Every year, approximately 3 million lives could be saved if evidence-based solutions such as skilled birth attendant care were universally available. Objective: To assess Nurse-midwives’ Knowledge about Immediate Newborn Care and to evaluate Nurse-midwives’ practice about Immediate Newborn Care. Methodology: A descriptive and analytic design conducted to assess nurses' and midwives' knowledge and to evaluate practices regarding immediate newborn care f. The study was started at 1st of September 2021, to 25th of March 2022. A non-probability (purposive sample) included (50) nurse-midwives who work in Maternity Teaching Hospital's delivery room.

Performance of NEWS, qSOFA, and SIRS Scores for Assessing Mortality, Early Bacterial Infection, and Admission to ICU in COVID-19 Patients in the Emergency Department.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has a wide spectrum of presentations, from asymptomatic to pneumonia and sepsis. Risk scores have been used as triggers for protocols that combine several interventions for early management of sepsis. This study tested the accuracy of the score SIRS, qSOFA, and NEWS in predicting outcomes, including mortality and bacterial infection, in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We described 2,473 cases of COVID-19 admitted to the ED of the largest referral hospital for severe COVID-19 in Brazil during the pandemic. SIRS, qSOFA and NEWS scores showed a poor performance as prognostic scores. However, NEWS score had a high sensitivity to predict in-hospital death (0.851), early bacterial infection (0.851), and ICU admission (0.868), suggesting that it may be a good screening tool for severe cases of COVID-19, despite its low specificity.

Simulation‐based training module on urosepsis improves knowledge and skills of urology nurses in Karachi, Pakistan: A brief project report

AbstractSimulation‐based training has become an essential part of medical and healthcare education. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the improvement in knowledge and skills of nurses by introducing a new training methodology simulation‐based training module. A ‘cause and effect’ tool was used to identify care concerns and learning needs experienced by urology nurses in patient care settings. Early identification and management of sepsis/urosepsis was identified as a learning theme. A timeline was set and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Quality Improvement Model, methodology was used to enact a plan‐do‐study‐act cycle to develop a strategy for project execution. To improve care provided by urology nurses and to improve the clinical outcomes, a biannual traditional training course for urology nurses was refurbished converting it into a simulation‐based training module. Via this module nursing staff gained knowledge about a standard sepsis protocol and were able to perform focused assessment on a high fidelity SimMan 3G® simulator. Staff were further able to identify early signs of urosepsis and demonstrate an ability in its initial management. Participants had skills signed off at the end of simulation‐based training session. Improvement in knowledge was assessed by multiple choice questions following pre and post‐tests. An online evaluation form was filled by each participant to assess effectiveness of module and strengths, weaknesses opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis was done. Fifty four out of 93 nurses within a Nephrology‐Urology service participated. Improvement in knowledge was calculated by pre‐test average score about recognition and early management of sepsis which was 59%, with an average post‐test score of 75%. Besides this, nurses were evaluated for skills sign off with at least a ‘satisfactory’ performance. At the end of the session evaluation forms were completed by the participants to determine the perceived usefulness of the training. A SWOT analysis identified the main strength of the project which was that it offered hands‐on skills to identify early warning signs of sepsis along with the opportunity to practice the management of these issues efficiently. Simulation‐based module significantly improved the knowledge and skills of urology nurses and participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward this new pedagogy.

Pediatric Septic Shock Collaborative Improves Emergency Department Sepsis Care in Children.

The pediatric emergency department (ED)-based Pediatric Septic Shock Collaborative (PSSC) aimed to improve mortality and key care processes among children with presumed septic shock. This was a multicenter learning and improvement collaborative of 19 pediatric EDs from November 2013 to May 2016 with shared screening and patient identification recommendations, bundles of care, and educational materials. Process metrics included minutes to initial vital sign assessment and to first and third fluid bolus and antibiotic administration. Outcomes included 3- and 30-day all-cause in-hospital mortality, hospital and ICU lengths of stay, hours on increased ventilation (including new and increases from chronic baseline in invasive and noninvasive ventilation), and hours on vasoactive agent support. Analysis used statistical process control charts and included both the overall sample and an ICU subgroup. Process improvements were noted in timely vital sign assessment and receipt of antibiotics in the overall group. Timely first bolus and antibiotics improved in the ICU subgroup. There was a decrease in 30-day all-cause in-hospital mortality in the overall sample. A multicenter pediatric ED improvement collaborative showed improvement in key processes for early sepsis management and demonstrated that a bundled quality improvement-focused approach to sepsis management can be effective in improving care.

Evidence for the Application of Sepsis Bundles in 2021.

Sepsis represents a severe condition that predisposes patients to a high risk of death if its progression is not ended. As with other time-dependent conditions, the performance of determinant interventions has led to significant survival benefits and quality-of-care improvements in acute emergency care. Thus, the initial interventions in sepsis are a cornerstone for prognosis in most patients. Even though the evidence supporting the hour-1 bundle is perfectible, real-life application of thoughtful and organized sepsis care has improved survival and quality of care in settings promoting compliance to evidence-based treatments. Current evidence for implementing the Surviving Sepsis Campaign bundles for early sepsis management is moving forward to better approaches as more substantial evidence evolves.

An Evidence-Based Approach to Nursing Recognition and Management of Early Sepsis in Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) is an interventional radiology (IR) procedure indicated for relief of biliary obstructive symptoms: pruritus, jaundice ang cholangitis cause by benign or malignant conditions. Gallstones, cholangiocarcinoma and hepatobiliary malignancy are frequently seen to cause sepsis. <h3>Identification of the Problem</h3> Although PTBD is generally a safe procedure, significant complications manifest as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that leads to mortality. Early post anesthesia care unit (PACU) nursing recognition is critical in effectively managing these high risk patients. <h3>EBP Question/Purpose: PICO question. Databases utilized</h3> What is the best practice for patients post biliary drain placement presenting symptoms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)? (P) Patients post PTBD; (I) Early recognition of SIRS; (C) Prompt/early management of SIRS compare to standard care in alleviating sepsis (O). The evidence-based practice (EBP) searches were conducted using PUBMED/CINAHL databases. <h3>Methods/Evidence</h3> The evidence reviewed from PUBMED/CINAHL ranged from 2013 to 2019. Mesh terms were: interventional, biliary drainage, PTBD, pathophysiology, cholangitis, symptoms, complications, sepsis and SIRS. The first search yielded eight out of 36 articles that met PICO criteria. The second and final search included eight additional articles with terms of mortality and patient outcomes. <h3>Significance of Findings/Outcomes</h3> EBP appraisal revealed compelling science for recognizing and managing early SIRS in PTBD patients. Team created an EBP algorithm (see poster) that was effective for PACU nurses in early recognition of SIRS and prompt PACU nursing management to mitigate deteriorating symptoms of increased heart rates and rigors followed by fevers to improve quality patient care. <h3>Implications for perianesthesia nurses and future research</h3> Post PTBD SIRS can be challenging for PACU nurses to manage life-threatening complications. Evidence supports the development of an algorithm tool that focuses on recognition, assessment, and appropriate management of SIRS in this population. The science recommends easy accessibility of standing physician order sets, including medications, such as intravenous (IV) fluids, IV antibiotics, and acetaminophen as SIRS management in PACU strategies to facilitate positive patient outcomes.

Greater Compliance With Early Sepsis Management is Associated With Safer Care and Shorter Hospital Stay.

This retrospective, cross-sectional study of U.S. hospitals in Medicare's Inpatient Quality Reporting Program aimed to determine whether variation in Sepsis/Septic Shock (Bundle SEP-1) compliance is linked to hospital size and measures of safety and operational efficiency. Two thousand six hundred and fifty-three acute care hospitals in Medicare's Hospital Compare online database were included in the study. Relationships between SEP-1 bundle compliance, hospital size, and indices of operational excellence (including Patient Safety Index [PSI-90], average length of stay [ALOS] and readmission rate) were analyzed. SEP-1 compliance score was inversely associated with staffed bed number (r = -.14, p < .001), PSI-90 (r = -.01, p < .001), and ALOS (r = -.13, p < .001) in a multivariate analysis. Hospitals in the lowest versus highest quartile by bed number had SEP-1 compliance score of 49.8 ± 20.2% versus 46.9 ± 16.8%, p < .001. Hospitals in the lowest versus highest quartile for SEP-1 score had an ALOS of 5.0 ± 1.2 days versus 4.7 ± 1.1 days and PSI-90 rate of 1.03 ± 0.22 versus 0.98 ± 0.16, p < .001 for both. Although this does not establish a causal relationship, it supports the hypothesis that the ability of hospitals to successfully implement SEP-1 is associated with superior performance in key measures of operational excellence.

What Do We Know about Early Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock in Polish Hospitals? A Questionnaire Study.

Background: Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies with a high risk of poor prognosis. We investigate the correspondence between Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines and clinical practice in Poland, with special attention given to differences between ICU and non-ICU environments as well as regional variations within the country. Methods: A web-based questionnaire study was performed on a random sample of 60 hospitals from the three most populated regions in Poland—Masovia, Silesia, and Greater Poland. A 19-item questionnaire was built based on the most recent edition of SSC guidelines. Results: Sepsis diagnosis was primarily based on clinical evaluation (ICUs: 94%, non-ICUs: 62%; p = 0.02). There were significant differences between ICUs and non-ICUs regarding taking blood cultures for pathogen identification (2-times more frequent in ICUs) and having hospital-based operating procedures to adjust antimicrobial treatment to a clinical scenario (a difference of 17%). Modification of empiric antimicrobial treatment was required post-ICU admission in 70% of cases. ICUs differed from non-ICUs with regard to the methods of fluid responsiveness assessment and the types of catecholamines and fluids used to treat septic shock. The mean fluid load applied before the implementation of catecholamines was 25.8 ± 10.6 mL/kg. Norepinephrine was the first-line agent used to treat shock, and balanced crystalloids were preferred in both ICUs and non-ICUs. Conclusion: Compliance with SCC guidelines in Polish hospitals is insufficient, especially outside ICUs. There is a need for education among healthcare professionals to reach at least an acceptable level of knowledge and attitude in this field.

The role of the emergency department in the early management of sepsis

The role of the emergency department in the early management of sepsis

Outcome of Ulinastatin vs Metabolic Resuscitation using Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine and Glucocorticoid in Early Treatment of Sepsis- A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Sepsis is one the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening disease which increases mortality with circulatory, cellular and metabolic abnormalities. Urinary trypsin inhibitor is an important protease inhibitor found in human blood and urine, it is known as Ulinastatin (ULI) or bikunin. It is an acidic glycoprotein (molecular weight 30 kDa) and Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor. It is derived from the larger inter-α-trypsin inhibitor molecule by action of neutrophil elastase in the presence of inflammation, and is believed to play an important anti-inflammatory role. Aim: To compare the outcome of intravenous ULI (protease inhibitor known as urinary trypsin inhibitor) versus the combination of hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and thiamine regarding outcome in sepsis and septic shock. Materials and Methods: In this randomised controlled trial conducted between July 2018 to June 2019 on total 60 sepsis patients were included and divided into two equal groups. Group A patients received combination of intravenous Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic acid and Thiamine (HAT) and group B Ulinastatin received intravenous Intensive Care Unit(ICU). Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded along with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) 2 and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scoring system at the time of admission in ICU. All statistical test were performed using SPSS 21.0 windows software. Comparisons between groups were assessed by using student t-test and chi-square test. Results: Mean age was comparable in both the groups (36.7±12.5 years in group A vs 37.5±12.9 years in group B). SOFA Score were significantly lower in group B as compared to group A on day 3 (7.76±3.67 vs 12.03±4.77) and day 5 (4.79±4.02 vs 12.10±7.36). Rate of reduction in serum procalcitonin level was also found to be significant in group B (p=0.008) as compared to group A (p=0.103). Lactate clearance rate was also fast in group B as compared to group A on day 3 and day 5. There was significant mortality benefit in group B (20%) as compared to group A (50%). Patients were followed up for 28 days till the start of treatment. Conclusion: This study showed that the ULI may play a beneficial role in early management of sepsis and septic shock.

Role of immature platelet fraction (IPF) in sepsis patients: A systematic review.

Sepsis is extremely common amongst critically ill patients and requires early diagnosis. Hence, identifying a biomarker that could acknowledge sepsis at its prior stage is of vital significance. Immature platelets are a percentage of circulating platelets that contain RNA and is a newer parameter that is measured using automated hematology analyzers in diagnosing sepsis. This review article discusses 10 articles that reveal the role of immature platelet fraction in predicting the onset of sepsis and its relationship with mortality in sepsis. Literature search was done using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar and words like platelet indices and immature platelet fraction were typed in the search bar. The aim of this review article is to present a precise form of data that talk about immature platelet fraction (IPF) and its association with the severity and mortality of sepsis. Five out of 10 articles suggest that immature platelet fraction can predict the onset of sepsis and eight out of 10 articles suggest that increased IPF values are associated with high mortality.

Association of a Care Bundle for Early Sepsis Management With Mortality Among Patients With Hospital-Onset or Community-Onset Sepsis

The Early Management Bundle for Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock (SEP-1) is a quality metric based on a care bundle for early sepsis management. Published evidence on the association of SEP-1 with mortality is mixed and largely excludes cases of hospital-onset sepsis. To assess the association of the SEP-1 bundle with mortality and organ dysfunction in cohorts with hospital-onset or community-onset sepsis. This retrospective cohort study used data from 4 University of California hospitals from October 1, 2014, to October 1, 2017. Adult inpatients with a diagnosis consistent with sepsis or disseminated infection and laboratory or vital signs meeting the Sepsis-3 (Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock) criteria were divided into community-onset sepsis and hospital-onset sepsis cohorts based on whether time 0 of sepsis occurred after arrival in the emergency department or an inpatient area. Data were analyzed from April to October 2019. Additional analyses were performed from December 2019 to January 2020. Administration of SEP-1 and 4 individual bundle components (serum lactate level testing, blood culture, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment, and intravenous fluid treatment). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was days requiring vasopressor support, measured as vasopressor days. Among the 6404 patient encounters identified (3535 men [55.2%]; mean [SD] age, 64.0 [18.2] years), 2296 patients (35.9%) had hospital-onset sepsis. Among 4108 patients (64.1%) with community-onset sepsis, serum lactate level testing within 3 hours of time 0 was associated with reduced mortality (absolute difference, -7.61%; 95% CI, -14.70% to -0.54%). Blood culture (absolute difference, -1.10 days; 95% CI, -1.85 to -0.34 days) and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment (absolute difference, -0.62 days; 95% CI, -1.02 to -0.22 days) were associated with fewer vasopressor days. Among patients with hospital-onset sepsis, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment was the only bundle component significantly associated with any improved outcome (mortality difference, -5.20%; 95% CI, -9.84% to -0.56%). Care that was adherent to the complete SEP-1 bundle was associated with increased vasopressor days in patients with community-onset sepsis (absolute difference, 0.31 days; 95% CI, 0.11-0.51 days) but was not significantly associated with reduced mortality in either cohort (absolute difference, -0.07%; 95% CI, -3.02% to 2.88% in community-onset; absolute difference, -0.42%; 95% CI, -6.77% to 5.93% in hospital-onset). SEP-1-adherent care was not associated with improved outcomes of sepsis. Although multiple components of SEP-1 were associated with reduced mortality or decreased days of vasopressor therapy for patients who presented with sepsis in the emergency department, only broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment was associated with reduced mortality when time 0 occurred in an inpatient unit. Current sepsis quality metrics may need refinement.