Sepsis can be as common as cancer and as deadly as a heart attack, according to a recent study.
- Most microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, such as those in malaria, can cause sepsis, according to the WHO.
- One in 5 people worldwide die from sepsis.
- According to the Pasteur Institute, patients with sepsis are generally admitted to intensive care, where they receive antibiotics and the supports necessary to maintain vital functions.
While the disease is likened to an epidemic by researchers, sepsis survivors also experience long-term complications. A study carried out in southern Sweden and published in the JAMA shows that more than 4% of hospital admissions are related to this condition. The research team hopes to influence the EU to establish a common sepsis surveillance system.
Long-term consequences that require earlier treatment
“Sepsis is therefore as common as cancer, with the same negative long-term consequences, and as fatal as a heart attack. acute of the myocardium. Among sepsis survivors, three-quarters also experience long-term complications such as heart attacks, kidney problems and cognitive difficulties” according to a researcher involved in this study.
Three-quarters of sepsis survivors experience health problems. These complications can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and require continuous medical monitoring.
Early diagnosis can then be essential to improve the chances of survival of affected patients. In addition, it is crucial to develop alternative treatment methods to antibiotics in order to prevent possible resistance.
A call to action at European level for sepsis surveillance
The research team is working with the European Sepsis Alliance to assess the frequency of sepsis in the rest of Europe. They also hope to influence the European Union to establish a common sepsis surveillance system. They believe that data collection must be uniform on this infection across Europe in order to better tame it and put in place preventive measures and appropriate treatment. Additionally, it is important for researchers to share best practices between European countries to improve clinical outcomes and management of patients with sepsis.
