Seasonal Variation in the Emergency Department Prevalence Of Sepsis

The incidence and mortality of sepsis and severe sepsis in hospitalised patients is seasonal and consistently highest during the winter. The primary aim of this study was to measure the seasonal variation in the prevalence of emergency department (ED) patients with sepsis. This cross-sectional study was performed over two four-week periods in the summer and in the winter, respectively. The clinical records of all patients presenting to the ED during the study periods were retrospectively screened to determine if they met the criteria for "uncomplicated" sepsis and severe sepsis or septic shock. The prevalence of "uncomplicated" sepsis was higher in the winter (43.9 per 1000) compared to the summer (30.7 per 1000). The prevalence of severe sepsis or septic shock was also higher in the winter (17.7 per 1000) compared to the summer (11.7 per 1000). This quantitatively demonstrates the increased ED burden of sepsis in the winter that can be used to inform healthcare planning and resource allocation.

The Prevalence of Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock in an Irish Emergency Department.

Severe sepsis and septic shock are among the leading causes of death globally. Despite the central role the emergency department (ED) plays in the early identification of patients presenting to hospital with sepsis, the prevalence of severe sepsis and septic shock in the Irish ED setting has not been described. The primary aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of severe sepsis or septic shock in an Irish adult ED setting. The clinical records of patients presenting to the ED over a four-week period were retrospectively reviewed to determine if they met the current Health Service Executive (HSE) criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. Overall, 3,585 adult patients attended the ED during the study period, with 42 patients meeting the criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. The ED prevalence of severe sepsis or septic shock was 11.7 patients (95% CI 8.1 - 15.4%) per 1000 ED attendances.

What Proportion of Patients Meet the Criteria for Uncomplicated Sepsis in an Irish Emergency Department?

Emergency medicine plays a central role in the early recognition of patients presenting to hospital with sepsis. However, the epidemiology of sepsis in the Irish Emergency Department (ED) setting has not been described. The primary aim of this study was to determine the proportion of adult ED patients who meet the current criteria for uncomplicated sepsis. This cross-sectional study was performed in the ED of Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. The clinical records of all patients presenting to the ED over a four-week period were retrospectively screened to determine if they met the current Health Service Executive (HSE) criteria for uncomplicated sepsis. Overall, 3,585 adult patients attended the ED during the study period, with 152 patients meeting the criteria for uncomplicated sepsis. The proportion of ED patients who met the criteria for uncomplicated sepsis was 4.24% (95% CI 3.57-4.91%).