Epidemiology and outcomes in patients with severe sepsis admitted to the hospital wards

The purpose of this study was to detail the trajectory and outcomes of patients with severe sepsis admitted from the emergency department to a non-intensive care unit (ICU) setting and identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes.

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary, academic hospital in the United States between 2005 and 2009. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of ICU transfer within 48 hours of admission and/or 28-day mortality.

Of 1853 patients admitted with severe sepsis, 841 (45%) were admitted to a non-ICU setting, the rate increased over time (P < .001), and 12.5% of these patients were transferred to the ICU within 48 hours and/or died within 28 days. In multivariable models, age (P < .001), an oncology diagnosis (P < .001), and illness severity as measured by Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II (P = .04) and high (≥4 mmol/L) initial serum lactate levels (P = .005) were associated with the primary outcome.

Patients presenting to the emergency department with severe sepsis were frequently admitted to a non-ICU setting, and the rate increased over time. Of 8 patients admitted to the hospital ward, one was transferred to the ICU within 48 hours and/or died within 28 days of admission. Factors present at admission were identified that were associated with adverse outcomes.