Comparing 11 early warning scores and three shock indices in early sepsis prediction in the emergency department

BACKGROUND:This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory performance of 11 vital sign-based early warning scores(EWSs)and three shock indices in early sepsis prediction in the emergency department(ED).METHODS:We performed a retrospective study on consecutive adult patients with an infection over 3 months in a public ED in Hong Kong.The primary outcome was sepsis(Sepsis-3 definition)within 48 h of ED presentation.Using c-statistics and the DeLong test,we compared 11 EWSs,including the National Early Warning Score 2(NEWS2),Modified Early Warning Score,and Worthing Physiological Scoring System(WPS),etc.,and three shock indices(the shock index[SI],modified shock index[MSI],and diastolic shock index[DSI]),with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome(SIRS)and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(qSOFA)in predicting the primary outcome,intensive care unit admission,and mortality at different time points.RESULTS:We analyzed 601 patients,of whom 166(27.6%)developed sepsis.NEWS2 had the highest point estimate(area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[AUROC]0.75,95%CI 0.70-0.79)and was significantly better than SIRS,qSOFA,other EWSs and shock indices,except WPS,at predicting the primary outcome.However,the pooled sensitivity and specificity of NEWS2≥5 for the prediction of sepsis were 0.45(95%CI 0.37-0.52)and 0.88(95%CI 0.85-0.91),respectively.The discriminatory performance of all EWSs and shock indices declined when used to predict mortality at a more remote time point.CONCLUSION:NEWS2 compared favorably with other EWSs and shock indices in early sepsis prediction but its low sensitivity at the usual cut-off point requires further modification for sepsis screening.

Knowledge,management,and complications of sepsis and septic shock:A significant therapeutic challenge in the intensive care unit

Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening conditions that are globally responsible for almost 20%of mortality,especially in low and middle-income countries.This review was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar databases with keywords sepsis,septic shock,sepsis management,and sepsis complications.Articles published up to July 2023 in English were included.Diagnosis and management should be carried out without unnecessary delay.Cooperation between various medical specialties including intensive care doctors,neurologists,hepatologists,cardiologists,and pediatric doctors is needed if a child is affected.New strategies have to be implemented in low and middle-income countries to decrease the sepsis incidence and reduce mortality in the population.

Predictive value of thrombocytopenia for bloodstream infection in patients with sepsis and septic shock

BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia is common in patients with sepsis and septic shock.AIM To analyse the decrease in the number of platelets for predicting bloodstream infection in patients with sepsis and septic shock in the intensive care unit.METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients admitted with sepsis and septic shock in Xingtai People Hospital was revisited.Patient population characteristics and laboratory data were collected for analysis.RESULTS The study group consisted of 85(39%)inpatients with bloodstream infection,and the control group consisted of 133(61%)with negative results or contamination.The percentage decline in platelet counts(PPCs)in patients positive for pathogens[57.1(41.3-74.6)]was distinctly higher than that in the control group[18.2(5.1–43.1)](P<0.001),whereas the PPCs were not significantly different among those with gram-positive bacteraemia,gram-negative bacteraemia,and fungal infection.Using receiver operating characteristic curves,the area under the curve of the platelet drop rate was 0.839(95%CI:0.783-0.895).CONCLUSION The percentage decline in platelet counts is sensitive in predicting bloodstream infection in patients with sepsis and septic shock.However,it cannot identify gram-positive bacteraemia,gram-negative bacteraemia,and fungal infection.

Value of procalcitonin and presepsin in the diagnosis and severity stratification of sepsis and septic shock

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.[1,2]Septic shock,the most severe form of sepsis,is characterized by circulatory and cellular/metabolic abnormalities,and can increase mortality to>40%.[1-3]Early recognition and risk stratification of septic shock are crucial but challenging because of the heterogeneity of its presentation and progression.

Influence of the Pre-shock State on the Prognosis of Medical Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective To investigate the effects of the pre-shock state on the mortality of patients with sepsis.Methods We enrolled patients with sepsis admitted to the medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital. These patients were then classified into three groups: sepsis, pre-shock state,and septic shock. The primary outcome was the 28-day mortality rate. The secondary outcomes were the 90-day, 180-day, and 1-year mortality rates.Results A total of 303 patients(groups: sepsis 135 [44.6%]), pre-shock state(93 [30.7%]), and septic shock(75 [24.8%]) completed the 1-year follow-up. The mortality rates at 28 days, 90 days, and 180days and 1 year were significantly higher in the pre-shock state group than those of the sepsis group,but significantly lower than those in the septic shock group, especially among older patients. When compared with the pre-shock state group, the sepsis group had significantly lower mortality risks at 28days, 90 days, and 180 days and 1 year, whereas the sepsis shock group had higher mortality risks at these time points.Conclusion The mortality rates of patients in the pre-shock state were notably different from those of patients with sepsis or septic shock. The introduction of a modified sepsis severity classification, which includes sepsis, pre-shock state, and septic shock, could offer valuable additional prognostic information.

Speckle-tracking echocardiography for detecting myocardial dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock patients:A single emergency department study

BACKGROUND:Septic cardiomyopathy(SCM)occurs in the early stage of sepsis and septic shock,which has implications for treatment strategies and prognosis.Additionally,myocardial involvement in the early stages of sepsis is difficult to identify.Here,we assess subclinical myocardial function using laboratory tests and speckle-tracking echocardiography(STE).METHODS:Emergency department patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock were included for analysis.Those with other causes of acute or pre-existing cardiac dysfunction were excluded.Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE),including conventional echocardiography and STE,were performed for all patients three hours after initial resuscitation.Samples for laboratory tests were taken around the time of TTE.RESULTS:Left ventricular functions of 60 patients were analyzed,including 21 septic shock patients and 39 sepsis patients.There was no significant difference in global longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain(GCS),or global radical strain(GRS)between patients with sepsis and septic shock(all with P>0.05).However,GLS and GCS were significantly less negative in patients with abnormal troponin levels or in patients with abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)values(all with P<0.05).There were also moderate correlations between GLS and levels of cTnI(r=0.40,P=0.002)or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)(r=0.44,P=0.001)in sepsis and septic shock patients.CONCLUSION:Myocardial dysfunction,e.g.,lower LVEF or less negative GLS in patients with sepsis or septic shock,is more affected by myocardial injury.GLS could be incorporated into mainstream clinical practice as a supplementary LVEF parameter,especially for those with elevated troponin levels.

Machine learning in data abstraction: A computable phenotype for sepsis and septic shock diagnosis in the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND With the recent change in the definition(Sepsis-3 Definition)of sepsis and septic shock,an electronic search algorithm was required to identify the cases for data automation.This supervised machine learning method would help screen a large amount of electronic medical records(EMR)for efficient research purposes.AIM To develop and validate a computable phenotype via supervised machine learning method for retrospectively identifying sepsis and septic shock in critical care patients.METHODS A supervised machine learning method was developed based on culture orders,Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores,serum lactate levels and vasopressor use in the intensive care units(ICUs).The computable phenotype was derived from a retrospective analysis of a random cohort of 100 patients admitted to the medical ICU.This was then validated in an independent cohort of 100 patients.We compared the results from computable phenotype to a gold standard by manual review of EMR by 2 blinded reviewers.Disagreement was resolved by a critical care clinician.A SOFA score≥2 during the ICU stay with a culture 72 h before or after the time of admission was identified.Sepsis versions as V1 was defined as blood cultures with SOFA≥2 and Sepsis V2 was defined as any culture with SOFA score≥2.A serum lactate level≥2 mmol/L from 24 h before admission till their stay in the ICU and vasopressor use with Sepsis-1 and-2 were identified as Septic Shock-V1 and-V2 respectively.RESULTS In the derivation subset of 100 random patients,the final machine learning strategy achieved a sensitivity-specificity of 100%and 84%for Sepsis-1,100%and 95%for Sepsis-2,78%and 80%for Septic Shock-1,and 80%and 90%for Septic Shock-2.An overall percent of agreement between two blinded reviewers had a k=0.86 and 0.90 for Sepsis 2 and Septic shock 2 respectively.In validation of the algorithm through a separate 100 random patient subset,the reported sensitivity and specificity for all 4 diagnoses were 100%-100%each.CONCLUSION Supervised machine learning for identification of sepsis and septic shock is reliable and an efficient alternative to manual chart review.

Precision medicine in sepsis and septic shock:From omics to clinical tools

Sepsis is a heterogeneous disease with variable clinical course and several clinical phenotypes.As it is associated with an increased risk of death,patients with this condition are candidates for receipt of a very well-structured and protocolized treatment.All patients should receive the fundamental pillars of sepsis management,which are infection control,initial resuscitation,and multiorgan support.However,specific subgroups of patients may benefit from a personalized approach with interventions targeted towards specific pathophysiological mechanisms.Herein,we will review the framework for identifying subpopulations of patients with sepsis,septic shock,and multiorgan dysfunction who may benefit from specific therapies.Some of these approaches are still in the early stages of research,while others are already in routine use in clinical practice,but together will help in the effective generation and safe implementation of precision medicine in sepsis.

Shock index of patients with sepsis after continuous blood purification treatment and its relationship with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and immune response

Objective:To study the shock index of patients with sepsis after continuous blood purification (CBP) treatment and its relationship with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and immune response.Methods:A total of 88 patients with sepsis who underwent continuous blood purification treatment in our hospital between June 2012 and May 2016 were chosen as research subjects, shock index (SI) was compared before and after the treatment, and according to the level of SI after treatment, all patients were divided into shock group (n=27) with SI>0.5 points and no shock group (n=61) with SI≤0.5 points. Serum contents of inflammatory mediators, Th1/Th2 cellular immunity indexes, immunoglobulin and complement were compared between two groups of patients after treatment.Results: The level of SI in patients with sepsis was significantly lower than that before treatment. Serum contents of inflammatory mediators PCT, CRP and HMGB1 in no shock group were lower than those in shock group, contents of Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ were higher than those in shock group, contents of Th2 cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 were lower than those in shock group, and contents of IgG, IgM, IgA, C3 and C4 were higher than those in shock group.Conclusion: The level of SI decreases in the patients with sepsis after CBP treatment, and SI level is directly correlated with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and immune response levels.

Adjuvant Administration of Vitamin C Improves Mortality of Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Systems Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to examine whether vitamin C reduced mortality when adjutant therapy of patients with septic shock and severe sepsis compared with placebo by meta-analysis. Eligible trials were identified from Pubmed, Embase, Ovid, and the Cochrane database. Four randomized controlled trials (RCT) and two retrospective studies were published between 2000 and 2017 met the inclusion criteria and suitable for meta-analysis. The data were analyzed with randomized-effects or fixed-effects models using Review Manager Version 5.3. Four randomized studies with a total of 109 participants were suitable for meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was assessed by calculating the Q and I2 methods. A random-effects approach instead of a fixed-effects analysis was undertaken if I2 > 50%. Adjuvant vitamin C did not associate with a reduction in mortality as compared with placebo, it is occurred similarly in both RCT studies and retrospective studies. However, high doses of vitamin C (>50 mg/kg/day) significant reduced the mortality rate of severe sepsis patients. And administration of high doses of vitamin C to therapy severe sepsis did not significantly reduce the ICU length of stay. The results suggested a trend toward reducing mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock patients’ adjuvant with vitamin C. Further multicenter large randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the potential benefits of vitamin C in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Septic shock 3.0 criteria application in severe COVID-19 patients:An unattended sepsis population with high mortality risk

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)can be associated with life-threatening organ dysfunction due to septic shock,frequently requiring intensive care unit(ICU)admission,respi-ratory and vasopressor support.There-fore,clear clinical criteria are pivotal for early recognition of patients more likely to need prompt organ support.Although most patients with severe COVID-19 meet the Sepsis-3.0 criteria for septic shock,it has been increasingly recognized that hyperlactatemia is frequently absent,possibly leading to an underestimation of illness severity and mortality risk.AIM To identify the proportion of severe COVID-19 patients with vasopressor support requirements,with and without hyperlactatemia,and describe their clinical outcomes and mortality METHODS We performed a single-center prospective cohort study.All adult patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 were included in the analysis and were further divided into three groups:Sepsis group,without both criteria;Vasoplegic Shock group,with persistent hypotension and vasopressor support without hyperlactatemia;and Septic Shock 3.0 group,with both criteria.COVID-19 was diagnosed using clinical and radiologic criteria with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)positive RT-PCR test.RESULTS 118 patients(mean age 63 years,87%males)were included in the analysis(n=51 Sepsis group,n=26 Vasoplegic Shock group,and n=41 Septic Shock 3.0 group).SOFA score at ICU admission and ICU length of stay were different between the groups(P<0.001).Mortality was significantly higher in the Vasoplegic Shock and Septic Shock 3.0 groups when compared with the Sepsis group(P<0.001)without a significant difference between the former two groups(P=0.713).The log rank tests of Kaplan-Meier survival curves were also different(P=0.007).Ventilator-free days and vasopressor-free days were different between the Sepsis vs Vasoplegic Shock and Septic Shock 3.0 groups(both P<0.001),and similar in the last two groups(P=0.128 and P=0.133,respectively).Logistic regression identified the maximum dose of vasopressor therapy used(AOR 1.046;95%CI:1.012-1.082,P=0.008)and serum lactate level(AOR 1.542;95%CI:1.055-2.255,P=0.02)as the major explanatory variables of mortality rates(R20.79).CONCLUSION In severe COVID-19 patients,the Sepsis 3.0 criteria of septic shock may exclude approximately one third of patients with a similarly high risk of a poor outcome and mortality rate,which should be equally addressed.

Correlation between shock index and inflammation, oxidative stress as well as target organ damage in patients with sepsis

Objective:To study the correlation between shock index and inflammation, oxidative stress as well as target organ damage in patients with sepsis.Methods: A total of 70 patients with sepsis treated in our hospital between March 2013 and May 2016 were collected and divided into no shock group (SI<0.5) (n=11), general shock group (0.5 SI 2) (n=42) and severe shock group (SI>2.0) (n=17) according to the shock index (SI). Immediately after admission, serum levels of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indexes and liver function indexes were detected.Results:Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), total bilirubin (TB),γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of severe shock group and general shock group were higher than those of no shock group while anti-inflammatory factors interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-13 (IL-13), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptorⅠ(sTNF-RI), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels were lower than those of no shock group;serum IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, AOPPs, TB, GGT and ALT levels of severe shock group were higher than those of general shock group while IL-10, IL-13, sTNF-RI, CAT, GSH-Px and SOD levels were lower than those of general shock group.Conclusion:The higher the shock index in patients with sepsis, the more severe the inflammation, oxidative stress and target organ damage, and the two are positively correlated.

Outcomes of severe sepsis and septic shock patients after stratifi cation by initial lactate value

BACKGROUND: In the setting of severe sepsis and septic shock, mortality increases when lactate levels are ≥ 4 mmol/L. However, the consequences of lower lactate levels in this population are not well understood. The study aimed to determine the in-hospital mortality associated with severe sepsis and septic shock when initial lactate levels are < 4 mmol/L.METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of septic patients admitted over a 40-month period. Totally 338 patients were divided into three groups based on initial lactate values. Group 1 had lactate levels < 2 mmol/L; group 2: 2–4 mmol/L; and group 3: ≥ 4 mmol/L. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.RESULTS: There were 111 patients in group 1, 96 patients in group 2, and 131 in group 3. The mortality rates were 21.6%, 35.4%, and 51.9% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed the mortality differences to be statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated higher odds of death with higher lactate tier group, however the findings did not reach statistical significance.CONCLUSION: This study found that only assignment to group 3, initial lactic acid level of ≥ 4 mmol/L, was independently associated with increased mortality after correcting for underlying severity of illness and organ dysfunction. However, rising lactate levels in the other two groups were associated with increased severity of illness and were inversely proportional to prognosis.

Severe sepsis and septic shock in the elderly:An overview

The incidence of severe sepsis and septic shock is increasing in the older population leading to increased admissions to the intensive care units(ICUs). The elderly are predisposed to sepsis due to co-existing comorbidities, repeated and prolonged hospitalizations, reduced immunity, functional limitations and above all due to the effects of aging itself. A lower threshold and a higher index of suspicion is required to diagnose sepsis in this patient population because the initial clinical picture may be ambiguous, and aging increases the risk of a sudden deterioration in sepsis to severe sepsis and septic shock. Management is largely based on standard international guidelines with a few modifications. Age itself is an independent risk factor for death in patients with severe sepsis, however, many patients respond well to timely and appropriate interventions. The treatment should not be limited or deferred in elderly patients with severe sepsis only on the grounds of physician prejudice, but patient and family preferences should also be taken into account as the outcomes are not dismal. Future investigations in the management of sepsis should not only target good functional recovery but also ensure social independence and quality of life after ICU discharge.

Extracorporeal blood purification strategies in sepsis and septic shock:An insight into recent advancements

BACKGROUND Despite various therapies to treat sepsis,it is one of the leading causes of mortality in the intensive care unit patients globally.Knowledge about the pathophysiology of sepsis has sparked interest in extracorporeal therapies(ECT)which are intended to balance the dysregulation of the immune system by removing excessive levels of inflammatory mediators.AIM To review recent data on the use of ECT in sepsis and to assess their effects on various inflammatory and clinical outcomes.METHODS In this review,an extensive English literature search was conducted from the last two decades to identify the use of ECT in sepsis.A total of 68 articles from peer-reviewed and indexed journals were selected excluding publications with only abstracts.RESULTS Results showed that ECT techniques such as high-volume hemofiltration,coupled plasma adsorption/filtration,resin or polymer adsorbers,and CytoSorb®are emerging as adjunct therapies to improve hemodynamic stability in sepsis.CytoSorb®has the most published data in regard to the use in the field of septic shock with reports on improved survival rates and lowered sequential organ failure assessment scores,lactate levels,total leucocyte count,platelet count,interleukin-IL-6,IL-10,and TNF levels.CONCLUSION Clinical acceptance of ECT in sepsis and septic shock is currently still limited due to a lack of large random clinical trials.In addition to patient-tailored therapies,future research developments with therapies targeting the cellular level of the immune response are expected.

Multicentered prospective investigator initiated study to evaluate the clinical outcomes with extracorporeal cytokine adsorption device (CytoSorb®) in patients with sepsis and septic shock

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a severe clinical syndrome related to the host response to infection.The severity of infections is due to an activation cascade that will lead to an auto amplifying cytokine production:The cytokine storm.Hemoadsorption by CytoSorb®therapy is a new technology that helps to address the cytokine storm and to regain control over various inflammatory conditions.AIM To evaluate prospectively CytoSorb®therapy used as an adjunctive therapy along with standard of care in septic patients admitted to intensive care unit(ICU).METHODS This was a prospective,real time,investigator initiated,observational multicenter study conducted in patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis and septic shock.The improvement of mean arterial pressure and reduction of vasopressor needs were evaluated as primary outcome.The change in laboratory parameters,sepsis scores[acute physiology and chronic health evaluation(APACHE II)and sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)]and vital parameters were considered as secondary outcome.The outcomes were also evaluated in the survivor and nonsurvivor group.Descriptive statistics were used;a P value<0.05 was considered RESULTS Overall,45 patients aged≥18 and≤80 years were included;the majority were men(n=31;69.0%),with mean age 47.16±14.11 years.Post CytoSorb®therapy,26 patients survived and 3 patients were lost to follow-up.In the survivor group,the percentage dose reduction in vasopressor was norepinephrine(51.4%),epinephrine(69.4%)and vasopressin(13.9%).A reduction in interleukin-6 levels(52.3%)was observed in the survivor group.Platelet count improved to 30.1%(P=0.2938),and total lung capacity count significantly reduced by 33%(P<0.0001).Serum creatinine and serum lactate were reduced by 33.3%(P=0.0190)and 39.4%(P=0.0120),respectively.The mean APACHE II score was 25.46±2.91 and SOFA scores was 12.90±4.02 before initiation of CytoSorb®therapy,and they were reduced significantly post therapy(APACHE II 20.1±2.47;P<0.0001 and SOFA 9.04±3.00;P=0.0003)in the survivor group.The predicted mortality in our patient population before CytoSorb®therapy was 56.5%,and it was reduced to 48.8%(actual mortality)after CytoSorb®therapy.We reported 75%survival rate in patients given treatment in<24 h of ICU admission and 68%survival rates in patients given treatment within 24-48 h of ICU admission.In the survivor group,the average number of days spent in the ICU was 4.44±1.66 d;while in the nonsurvivor group,the average number of days spent in ICU was 8.5±15.9 d.CytoSorb®therapy was safe and well tolerated with no adverse events reported.CONCLUSION CytoSorb®might be an effective adjuvant therapy in stabilizing sepsis and septic shock patients.However,it is advisable to start the therapy at an early stage(preferably within 24 h after onset of septic shock).

<i>Raoultella planticola</i>Bacteremia-Induced Fatal Septic Shock and Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy in a Patient with Pancreatic Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Raoultella planticola is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in water and soil and considered to be a rare and possibly underestimated cause of severe human infection. Its presence should be suspected in older patients with a history of cancer, immune suppression and recent exposure to traumatic injuries or invasive medical procedures. Case presentation: A 78-year-old male with a history of hypertension was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) was performed afterwards. On the 8th day of surgery, the patient was admitted to our tertiary ICU with septic shock. His initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 12 with predicted mortality 95.7%. Empirical antibiotic therapy with colymicin, meropenem and teikoplanin was administered immediately and two sets of blood cultures were obtained. Patient developed refractory septic shock despite the addition of vasopressin and the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate. Patient died on the third day of sepsis. His blood culture was positive for R. planticola, which was identified using the VITEK-2 biochemical identification system. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of fatal unusual infections in immunocompromised patients.

Postpolypectomy syndrome without abdominal pain led to sepsis/septic shock and gastrointestinal bleeding:A case report

BACKGROUND Postpolypectomy syndrome(PPS)is a rare postoperative complication of colonic polypectomy.It presents with abdominal pain and fever accompanied by coagulopathy and elevated inflammatory markers.Its prognosis is usually good,and it only requires outpatient treatment or observation in a general ward.How-ever,it can be life-threatening.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 58-year-old man who underwent two colonic polypectomies,each resulting in life-threatening sepsis,septic shock,and coagulopathy.Each of the notable manifestations was a rapid drop in blood pressure,an increase in heart rate,loss of consciousness,and heavy sweating,accompanied by shortness of breath and decreased oxygen in the finger pulse.Based on the criteria of organ dysfunction due to infection,we diagnosed him with sepsis.The patient also experienced severe gastrointestinal bleeding after the second operation.Curiously,he did not complain of any abdominal pain throughout the course of the illness.He had significantly elevated concentrations of inflammatory markers and coagulopathy.Except for the absence of abdominal pain,his fever,significant coagulopathy,and elevated inflammatory marker concentrations were all consistent with PPS.Abdominal computed tomography and superior mesenteric artery computed tomography angiography showed no free air or vascular damage.Thus,the diagnosis of colon perforation was not considered.The final blood culture results indicated Moraxella osloensis.The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and quickly improved after fluid resuscitation,antibiotic treatment,oxygen therapy,and blood transfusion.CONCLUSION PPS may induce dysregulation of the systemic inflammatory response,which can lead to sepsis or septic shock,even in the absence of abdominal pain.

Comparison between sepsis-induced coagulopathy and sepsis-associated coagulopathy criteria in identifying sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation

BACKGROUND:Disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC)is associated with increased mortality in sepsis patients.In this study,we aimed to assess the clinical ability of sepsis-induced coagulopathy(SIC)and sepsis-associated coagulopathy(SAC)criteria in identifying overt-DIC and preDIC status in sepsis patients.METHODS:Data from 419 sepsis patients were retrospectively collected from July 2018 to December 2022.The performances of the SIC and SAC were assessed to identify overt-DIC on days 1,3,7,or 14.The SIC status or SIC score on day 1,the SAC status or SAC score on day 1,and the sum of the SIC or SAC scores on days 1 and 3 were compared in terms of their ability to identify pre-DIC.The SIC or SAC status on day 1 was evaluated as a pre-DIC indicator for anticoagulant initiation.RESULTS:On day 1,the incidences of coagulopathy according to overt-DIC,SIC and SAC criteria were 11.7%,22.0%and 31.5%,respectively.The specificity of SIC for identifying overt-DIC was significantly higher than that of the SAC criteria from day 1 to day 14(P<0.05).On day 1,the SIC score with a cut-off value>3 had a significantly higher sensitivity(72.00%)and area under the curve(AUC)(0.69)in identifying pre-DIC than did the SIC or SAC status(sensitivity:SIC status 44.00%,SAC status 52.00%;AUC:SIC status 0.62,SAC status 0.61).The sum of the SIC scores on days 1 and 3 had a higher AUC value for identifying the pre-DIC state than that of SAC(0.79 vs.0.69,P<0.001).Favorable effects of anticoagulant therapy were observed in SIC(adjusted hazard ratio[HR]=0.216,95%confidence interval[95%CI]:0.060–0.783,P=0.018)and SAC(adjusted HR=0.146,95%CI:0.041–0.513,P=0.003).CONCLUSION:The SIC and SAC seem to be valuable for predicting overt-DIC.The sum of SIC scores on days 1 and 3 has the potential to help identify pre-DIC.

Importance of timely and adequate source control in sepsis and septic shock

Source control is defined as the physical measures undertaken to eliminate the source of infection and control ongoing contamination, as well as restore anatomy and function at the site of infection. It is a key component of the management of patients with sepsis and septic shock and one of the main determinants of the outcome of infections that require source control. While not all infections may require source control, it should be considered in every patient presenting with sepsis;it is applicable and necessary in numerous infections, not only those occurring in the abdominal cavity. Although the biological rationale is clear, several aspects of source control remain under debate. The timing of source control may impact outcome;early source control is particularly relevant for patients with abdominal infections or necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections, as well as for those with more severe disease. Percutaneous procedures are increasingly used for source control;nevertheless, surgery—tailored to the patient and infection—remains a valid option for source control. For outcome optimization, adequate source control is more important than the strategy used. It should be acknowledged that source control interventions may often fail, posing a challenge in this setting. Thus, an individualized, multidisciplinary approach tailored to the infection and patient is preferable.