Sepsis-Related Mortality Rates and Trends Based on Site of Infection.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Sepsis, a life-threatening condition from infection, has a stable overall mortality rate in the US.
• Understanding trends in sepsis mortality by infection site is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate sepsis-related mortality rates and trends.
• To analyze these trends based on the three most common infection sites: pulmonary, abdominal, and genitourinary.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, population-based study using the Multiple Cause of Death database (2004-2018).
• Sepsis cases and sources identified using validated International Classification of Diseases codes.

Main Results:

• Mortality rates per 1,000,000 population were 111.8 (pulmonary), 46.7 (abdominal), and 52 (genitourinary), all increasing from 2004-2018.
• Males had higher mortality for pulmonary and abdominal sepsis; Black and Native American decedents had the highest rates across all sites.
• Racial and ethnic variations in mortality trends were observed, with differing increases across sepsis sites.

Conclusions:

• Despite stable overall rates, sepsis mortality from pulmonary, abdominal, and genitourinary sources is increasing across sexes and age groups.
• Improved identification and documentation of infection sources may contribute to observed trends.
• Significant racial disparities in sepsis mortality necessitate consideration in future research and clinical practice.