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[Sepsis: our series]
1U.O. di Malattie Infettive e Servizio di Microbiologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Gravina di Caltagirone, Catania, Italy.
Le Infezioni in Medicina
|May 16, 2003
Summary
Sepsis, a persistent bacteremia, can lead to septic shock. This study analyzed 186 sepsis cases, highlighting high mortality rates even with intensive care and antibiotic treatments.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Sepsis, defined as persistent bacteremia with significant symptoms, retains clinical relevance.
- A recent definition emphasizes sepsis as a systemic inflammatory response to infection, aiding understanding of host reactions and shock prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze clinical cases of sepsis with positive hemoculture.
- To focus on elderly patients (>61 years) and those admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- To describe specific cases like toxic shock syndrome and bacterial endocarditis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 186 sepsis cases with positive hemoculture.
- Data collected from Caltagirone Hospital over 15 years.
- Inclusion of patient demographics, clinical isolates, and ICU admissions.
Main Results:
- 186 patients (117 males, 69 females) were analyzed.
- Focus on patients over 61 years old and ICU admissions.
- Mortality rate for septic shock was approximately 30% despite comprehensive treatment.
Conclusions:
- Sepsis remains a critical condition with significant mortality.
- Effective antibiotic and supportive therapies, including ICU care, are crucial but do not eliminate the risk of death.
- Further research into sepsis management and prevention is warranted.