Study of organ dysfunction in sepsis patients from eastern India

Abstract

Sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Severe sepsis, defined as sepsis with one or more organ dysfunction, causes a significant proportion of deaths in critical care setting. However, studies regarding sepsis and organ dysfunction are rare from India. We undertook this cross-sectional study to find the prevalence of organ dysfunction in sepsis patients and the relation of organ dysfunction with source of sepsis. Among 100 patients in our study, 53% were aged more than 55 years. The incidence of severe sepsis was significantly high in this age group, compared to the younger patients (64.15% vs. 49%). Respiratory source was the commonest aetiology of sepsis in our patients. However, source of infection was unidentified in 11%. 57% of patients had severe sepsis, with renal (26%) and pulmonary (18%) involvement the commonest. 21 patients had more than one organ dysfunction. Blood culture was positive in 33%. Mortality in sepsis patients was mainly related to age. Different studies from around the world have shown similar incidence of severe sepsis in elderly patients and a high rate of sepsis secondary to respiratory infections. However, if surgical ward patients are included in the study, the percentages are likely to change. Our study is also limited by the small number of patients and lack of use of newer markers like procalcitonin. Still, it gives an overview of the extent of organ involvement in sepsis.