[Does the coexistence of cancer have an influence on the course of sepsis]

The guidelines for management of sepsis are constantly updated, nevertheless sepsis is still a difficult clinical problem, especially as its treatment often ends in failure. Hospitalized cancer patients diagnosed with sepsis are especially concerned, as sepsis death rate is significant in that group of patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare cancer- and non-cancer patients diagnosed with sepsis.

The medical records of 56 patients diagnosed with sepsis from January 1. 2007 to August 1. 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: 1 group--patients with sepsis and cancer (S+N), II group--patients with sepsis without cancer (S). The etiology of sepsis, primary infectious sources, chosen clinical and laboratory parameters and mortality were analysed.

56 patients were involved in the study. The mean age for S+N patients was higher than for group S (61.3 vs. 45.5 years; p = 0.005). The mean APACHE II score value at the day of admission for the whole population was 22.1 +/- 8.8 (8-45), for S+N group--25.3 +/- 10.3 (12-41) and for group S--21.2 +/- 8.3 (8-45) (p = 0.308). The estimated risk of hospital death was retrospectively 43.4%, 53.3% and 39.0%. Patients in group S+N required larger infusion of minimal noradrenaline doses than the other patients (p = 0.015). The mortality rate was 14.3% and was higher in group S+N than in group S (16.7 vs. 13.6%). Mortality was also significantly higher among patients with larger lactate blood concentration (death: 4.6 vs. survival: 1.9 mmol/l; p = 0.020) and greater base deficit (death: -6.79 vs. survival: -2.34 mmol/l; p = 0,0006). Patients of lower mean arterial pressure (60.8 vs. 75.9 mmHg; p = 0.007) and who required larger noradrenaline infusion (0.514 vs. 0.232 microg/kg/min; p = 0.0009) at the day of admission had a significantly higher risk of death.

The analysis did not indicate evidently higher risk of more severe sepsis's course in cancer sepsis patients. However the severity of patients' general condition estimated by the APACHE II score and the mortality in this group of patients was higher (statistically insignificant results). Patients in group S+N required larger minimal doses of noradrenaline and larger infusion of colloid at the day of admission. The mortality was determined by the haemodynamic disturbance and the severity of general condition, rather than the cancer diagnosis per se.