Long-term mortality and quality of life after septic shock: a follow-up observational study

In septic shock, short-term outcomes are frequently reported, while long-term outcomes are not. The aim of this study was to evaluate mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in survivors 6 months after an episode of septic shock.

This single-centre observational study was conducted in an intensive care unit in a university hospital. All patients with septic shock were included. Mortality was assessed 6 months after the onset of septic shock, and a comparison between patients who survived and those who died was performed. HRQOL was assessed using the MOS SF-36 questionnaire prior to hospital admission (baseline) and at 6 months in survivors. HRQOL at baseline and at 6 months were compared to the general French population, and HRQOL at baseline was compared to 6-month HRQOL.

Ninety-six patients were included. Six-month mortality was 45%. Survivors were significantly younger, had significantly lower lactate levels and SAPS II scores, required less renal support, received less frequent administration of corticosteroids, and had a longer length of hospital stay. At baseline (n = 39) and 6 months (n = 46), all of the components of the SF-36 questionnaire were significantly lower than those in the general population. Compared to baseline (n = 23), the Physical Component Score (CS) improved significantly at 6 months, the Mental CS did not differ.

Mortality 6 months after septic shock was high. HRQOL at baseline was impaired when compared to that of the general population. Although improvements were noted at 6 months, HRQOL remained lower than that in the general population.