Comparison between hospital- and community-acquired septic shock in children: a single-center retrospective cohort

Guo-Yun Su1,2, Chao-Nan Fan1,2, Bo-Liang Fang1,2

  • 1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 56 Nan-Li-Shi Road, Beijing, 100045, China.

Insights

Hospital-acquired septic shock (HASS) in children has higher mortality than community-acquired septic shock (CASS). Risk factors for mortality also differ significantly between HASS and CASS pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Septic shock in children presents distinct challenges based on its origin, whether acquired in the hospital or community.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare baseline characteristics, pathogens, complications, outcomes, and risk factors between hospital-acquired septic shock (HASS) and community-acquired septic shock (CASS) in pediatric patients.
  • To identify specific predictors of mortality for each type of pediatric septic shock.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients diagnosed with septic shock in a PICU.
  • Patients were categorized into HASS and CASS groups and followed for 28-day mortality.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine risk factors for mortality.

Main Results:

  • The study included 298 children; HASS patients (65.9%) often had hematologic/oncologic diseases and Gram-negative infections, while CASS patients (67.7%) had fewer underlying conditions and more Gram-positive infections.
  • 28-day mortality was significantly higher in HASS (62.6%) compared to CASS (32.7%).
  • Risk factors for HASS mortality included low platelet count, positive pathogen detection, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. For CASS, risk factors were elevated lactate and mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

  • Significant variations exist in underlying conditions, pathogens, complications, prognosis, and mortality rates between pediatric HASS and CASS.
  • The identified predictors of 28-day mortality are distinct for HASS and CASS pediatric patients, highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies.
Abstract