Delaying Antibiotics in Patients with Suspected Infection Increases Risk of Septic Shock

A retrospective cohort study revealed delaying the first dose of antibiotics in patients suspected of presenting with an infection in the ED led to a higher risk of progressing to septic shock and in-hospital mortality. Every hour antibiotics were delayed raised the risk of septic shock by 4%.

Noncompliance with Sepsis Measures Used to Prove Care Was Negligent

Along with growing general awareness, there are several positive developments in ED sepsis care, including laboratory tests helpful in diagnosing sepsis cases that have improved substantially. Also, there are new biomarkers of sepsis that are promising, and new molecular tests allow a lab to identify blood-borne infections in hours instead of the days formerly required for blood cultures to grow.

Initial Antibiotic Choice for Neonatal Sepsis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Gram-negative rods are responsible for most neonatal sepsis in low- and middle-income countries. Ampicillin-gentamicin usually has been recommended for presumptive treatment, pending bacteriology results (when such tests are available). The results of a multinational study in Africa and Asia suggest resistance to standard therapy is widespread and that ceftazidime-amikacin might be a better option.

ED Is Focus of Reduction in Sepsis-Related Mortality

Using a sepsis alert, combined with nursing protocols and physician order set usage, can improve core measure compliance and related mortality rates.

Latest Leapfrog Safety Grades Include Post-Op Sepsis

The most recent grades from The Leapfrog Group represent the largest set of hospitals ever evaluated, with grades assigned to 2,901 facilities. More than 30 evidence-based measures of patient safety were assessed, including postoperative sepsis, blood leakage, and kidney injury for the first time.

Surviving Sepsis 2021 Update

Some of the important changes include clearer differentiation of sepsis vs. septic shock and, for numerous recommendations, changing the strength and quality of evidence to support many.

Medicare Sepsis Performance Measure Criteria Do Not Improve Outcomes

A longitudinal study of a single health system’s adherence to and outcomes of Medicare Sepsis Performance Measures (SEP-1) did not show an improvement in mortality despite improvements in adherence to guideline-mandated care.

SPADE Method Quantifies Potential Harm of Misdiagnosis

Methodology improves accuracy of diagnostics for sepsis and acute myocardial infarction, lowers malpractice risk.

Certain Patients Might Meet Criteria, Still Do Not Receive Formal Sepsis Diagnosis

This study highlights two competing risks: The risk of undertreating sepsis and the risk overresuscitating a patient with another cause of their symptoms.

Two Similar Studies, Two Different Conclusions: What Is the Best Way to Treat Sepsis?

The authors of two recent studies of the performance of the Epic Sepsis Model (ESM), a commonly used early warning tool for sepsis, reached different conclusions: One research group found ESM fails to predict many sepsis cases beyond what clinicians detect on their own, but another research group reported the tool enhances care.

Articles Tagged With: Sepsis