An Analytical Study Of Demographic, Clinical And Etiological Profile Of Patients With Sepsis

Abstract

Introduction: Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response to infection, remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Diagnosis is challenging, with only 30% of cases identifying pathogens. Early diagnosis and management can lead to lower mortality rates. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock recommends quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) for diagnosis and screening. However, recent studies show poor performance in predicting sepsis mortality. Methodology: The study at KVV Hospital analyzed 148 sepsis cases from September 2022 to February 2024. It monitored clinical and laboratory parameters, including vital parameters and septic profiles. The study included critically ill patients aged 18 and older with a Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) diagnosis and a SOFA score of ≥2 upon ICU admission. The study used comprehensive statistical analysis and Chi-square tests to assess associations and correlations between variables. Results: This cross-sectional study included 148 male and female patients with sepsis diagnoses. Most had diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and malignancy. Symptoms included fever, altered sensorium, breathing difficulties, palpitations, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperthermia, hypothermia, and decreased micturition. Discussion: Sepsis is a global health issue affecting millions of people annually, with an increasing incidence. A study comparing sepsis patients from India and overseas found a predominance of older individuals, with a higher proportion of male patients. Patients with sepsis often present with multiple comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The spectrum of pathogens in sepsis patients includes both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. The distribution of SOFA scores reflects organ dysfunction severity, with higher scores indicating increased mortality risk. Comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension, also impact sepsis outcomes. Vital signs, laboratory parameters, and vital signs also show significant associations with survival outcomes. Conclusion: The study found a significant correlation between sepsis severity and SOFA score, with increased procalcitonin and lactate levels, aiding clinicians in triaging patients and deciding appropriate antimicrobials.