Evolving Landscape of Sepsis: A Longitudinal Examination of Its Incidence and Clinical Implications in ICU Patient Cohorts

Abstract

Background:

Sepsis accounts for significant morbidity and mortality resulting in substantial burden to healthcare system. The management of sepsis remarkably improved over time due to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. Still, the number of recorded cases of sepsis is more than ever. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of sepsis and factors associated with it.

Objective:

To assess the temporal trends in the prevalence and presentation of sepsis among the hospitalized ICU patients.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was conducted using hospital ICU admission data of general medical units from January 2020 to June 2023. Cases of sepsis were identified using ICD-10 codes. Temporal trends in prevalence, mortality, and length of hospital stay were analyzed.

Results:                                                                                                           

A total of 12,500 admissions with the suspicion of sepsis were analyzed. A total of 8,640 patients with sepsis were identified and 990 needed ICU admission for variable time period. The prevalence of sepsis increased from 10.2% in 2020 to 13.7% in 2023. The overall mortality rate for septic patients decreased from 28.5% in 2020 to 24.1% in 2023. The average length of hospital/ICU stay for septic patients decreased from 14.3 days in 2020 to 12.7 days in 2023.

Conclusion:

While the prevalence of sepsis among hospitalized ICU patients has been on the rise, there have been encouraging reductions in associated morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay. Nonetheless, the increasing healthcare costs emphasize the need for targeted interventions to prevent sepsis and enhance cost-effective management strategies.

Keywords: Sepsis protocol, intensive care unit, management, statistics, outcome.