Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock in Children: Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines 2026

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Emergency medicine

Background:

• Sepsis is a major cause of child mortality and morbidity.
• Existing guidelines require updates for comprehensive pediatric care.
• The 2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines address this need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the updated 2026 pediatric-specific Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines.
• To define criteria for probable sepsis, suspected septic shock, and septic shock with persistent hypoperfusion in children.
• To highlight key changes and recommendations for managing pediatric sepsis.

Main Methods:

• The 2026 SSC guidelines incorporate updated evidence and clinical consensus.
• Recommendations cover patient populations from birth (≥37 weeks) to 18 years.
• Key interventions include blood lactate measurement, early antimicrobial therapy, and performance improvement programs.

Main Results:

• New definitions include probable sepsis, suspected septic shock, and septic shock with persistent hypoperfusion.
• Recommended interventions include point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for cardiac and lung assessment.
• A conservative oxygen strategy targeting SpO₂ of 88-92% is advised, alongside early rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• The 2026 guidelines promote flexibility, early recognition, and cautious intervention in pediatric sepsis management.
• Emphasis is placed on long-term recovery and addressing evidence gaps.
• Further research is crucial to refine pediatric sepsis care.