Clinical Spectrum and Prognosis of Patients with Septic Shock

Abstract

Septic shock is the leading cause of mortality in hospital patients. Closer observation and early treatment can influence the outcome. The present study is undertaken to study the pattern of sepsis and the factors affecting morbidity and mortality in adult patients with septic shock in the ICU. Adult patients admitted in ICU, Mamata General Hospital, Khammam, with diagnosis of sepsis during one-year period from August 2012 to September 2013 were included in the study and patients with no evidence of infection and nosocomial sepsis were excluded from the study. Blood samples and the samples from suspected primary foci were collected for culture and sensitivity. Patients were followed for a minimum of 28 days from the time of diagnosis. During the study period, 50 patients fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 74% of patients were males and 26% females and mean age was 54.68 years. Incidence of sepsis was the highest in patients aged 65–74 years, 44% had severe sepsis and 16% had septic shock, and mortality was 31% and 75% respectively. Most common organ dysfunction was renal followed by cardiovascular and respiratory involvement. The commonest focus of sepsis was respiratory tract followed by urinary tract. Prognosis is good in initial stages of sepsis and worse in septic shock. Hence, early recognition and prompt treatment are of paramount importance.

Keywords: Septic shock, sepsis, mortality, ICU, renal, cardiovascular, respiratory