Risk factors for sepsis mortality: A national Swedish cohort study (1998-2018)

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Sepsis mortality risk factors require further investigation for improved clinical risk assessment.
• Large-scale population studies are crucial for identifying these factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine sociodemographic factors and pre-existing conditions as predictors of sepsis mortality.
• To inform clinical risk assessments and patient management strategies.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide cohort study of 157,143 adult sepsis patients (1998-2018).
• Logistic regression analysis to determine Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) for 30-day all-cause mortality.
• Inclusion of sociodemographic data, Charlson Comorbidity Index, severe mental disorders, pyelonephritis, and influenza/pneumonia as predictors.

Main Results:

• Overall 30-day sepsis mortality was 17.9%, rising to 30.5% in individuals aged ≥ 85 years.
• Advanced age (≥ 85 years) significantly increased mortality risk (OR = 13.02).
• Lower educational level, low family income, living outside large cities, and not being married were associated with increased sepsis mortality.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the importance of sociodemographic factors in sepsis mortality.
• Pyelonephritis showed a protective association with sepsis mortality.
• Increased awareness of these risk factors can improve sepsis patient care and outcomes.