Significado biológico y utilidad clínica del lactato en la sepsis / Biological significance and clinical utility of lactate in sepsis

La sepsis es un problema global de salud y la progresión hacia el shock séptico se asocia con un incremento marcado de la morbimortalidad. En este escenario, el aumento del lactato plasmático demostró ser un indicador de gravedad y un predictor de mortalidad, y suele interpretarse casi exclusivamente como marcador de baja perfusión tisular. Sin embargo, últimamente se produjo un cambio de paradigma en la exégesis del metabolismo y propiedades biológicas del lactato. En efecto, la adaptación metabólica al estrés, aun con adecuado aporte de oxígeno, puede justificar la elevación del lactato circulante. Asimismo, otras consecuencias fisiopatológicas de la sepsis, como la disfunción mitocondrial, se asocian con el desarrollo de hiperlactatemia sin que necesariamente se acompañen de baja perfusión tisular. Interpretar el origen y la función del lactato puede resultar de suma utilidad clínica en la sepsis, especialmente cuando sus niveles circulantes fundamentan las medidas de reanimación.

Sepsis is a global health problem; progression to septic shock is associated with a marked increase in morbidity and mortality. In this setting, increased plasma lactate levels demonstrated to be an indicator of severity and a predictor of mortality, and are usually interpreted almost exclusively as a marker of low tissue perfusion. However, a recent paradigm shift has occurred in the exegesis of lactate metabolism and its biological properties. Indeed, metabolic adaptation to stress, even with an adequate oxygen supply, may account for high circulating lactate levels. Likewise, other pathophysiological consequences of sepsis, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, are associated with the development of hyperlactatemia, which is not necessarily accompanied by low tissue perfusion. Interpreting the origin and function of lactate may be of great clinical utility in sepsis, especially when circulating lactate levels are the basis for resuscitative measures.

Desempenho do óxido nítrico na sepse: uma revisão de escopo / Desempeño del óxido nítrico en la sepsis: una revisión de alcance / Performance of nitric oxide in sepsis: a scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Mapear as evidências disponíveis sobre as ações do óxido nítrico na fisiopatologia da sepse e sua relação com a gravidade de pacientes sépticos. Método Revisão de escopo de acordo com a metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute. Realizou-se busca por estudos que evidenciaram as ações do óxido nítrico na sepse e se o seu aumento está associado à gravidade de pacientes sépticos. Dois revisores independentes fizeram o mapeamento das informações utilizando um instrumento de extração de dados previamente elaborado. Os dados foram analisados quanto à sua relevância, sendo posteriormente extraídos e sintetizados. Resultados De 1342 estudos, 11 foram incluídos na revisão. O primeiro foi publicado em 2017 e o último, em 2022. A maioria foi desenvolvida nos Estados Unidos, na China e na Alemanha. Os estudos apresentaram informações referentes as ações do óxido nítrico, sintetizando sua biodisponibilidade e os inibidores endógenos relacionados a sua produção, além de abordarem a relação do óxido nítrico com a gravidade da sepse. Conclusão A produção de óxido nítrico fisiológico durante a sepse atua como protetor vascular, principalmente na microcirculação, porém, em altas concentrações, contribui para a disfunção vascular, que subverte a fisiologia da regulação da pressão arterial, causando profunda vasodilatação e hipotensão refratária e aumentando a gravidade de pacientes sépticos.

Resumen Objetivo Mapear las evidencias disponibles sobre las acciones del óxido nítrico en la fisiopatología de la sepsis y su relación con la gravedad de pacientes sépticos. Métodos Revisión de alcance de acuerdo con la metodología del Joanna Briggs Institute. Se realizó una búsqueda de estudios que evidenciaron las acciones del óxido nítrico en la sepsis y si su aumento estaba asociado a la gravedad de pacientes sépticos. Dos revisores independientes hicieron el mapeo de la información utilizando un instrumento de extracción de datos previamente elaborado. Los datos se analizaron respecto a su relevancia, para luego extraerlos y sintetizarlos. Resultados De 1342 estudios, se incluyeron 11 en la revisión. El primero fue publicado en 2017 y el último en 2022. La mayoría se realizó en Estados Unidos, China y Alemania. Los estudios presentaron información referente a las acciones del óxido nítrico, sintetizando su biodisponibilidad y los inhibidores endógenos relacionados con su producción, además de abordar la relación del óxido nítrico con la gravedad de la sepsis. Conclusión La producción de óxido nítrico fisiológico durante la sepsis actúa como protector vascular, principalmente en la microcirculación. Sin embargo, en altas concentraciones, contribuye a la disfunción vascular, que subvierte la fisiología de la regulación de la presión arterial, causa una profunda vasodilatación e hipotensión refractaria y aumenta la gravedad de pacientes sépticos. Registro da revisão de escopo no Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MXDK2

Abstract Objective Map the available evidence on the actions of nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of sepsis and its relationship with the severity of sepsis in patients. Method Scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A search was carried out for studies that highlighted the actions of nitric oxide in sepsis, informing whether its increase is associated with the severity of sepsis in patients. Two independent reviewers mapped the information using a previously designed data extraction instrument. The data was analyzed for its relevance and then extracted and synthesized. Results Eleven of 1342 studies were included in the review. The first of them was published in 2017 and the last in 2022. Most of them were developed in the USA, China, and Germany. Studies have reported the actions and bioavailability of nitric oxide and endogenous inhibitors related to its production, and related nitric oxide to the severity of sepsis. Conclusion The physiological production of nitric oxide during sepsis acts as a vascular protector, mainly in the microcirculation but contributes to vascular dysfunction in high concentrations, subverting the regulation of blood pressure, causing deep vasodilation and refractory hypotension, and increasing the severity of sepsis in patients. Registration of the scoping review in the Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MXDK2

Índice leucocitos/eosinófilos como marcador pronóstico del choque séptico / Leukocyte/eosinophil Ratio as a Prognostic Marker of Septic Choque

Introducción: Se ha reconocido mundialmente el choque séptico como causa de una alta incidencia en la mortalidad. La incorporación de nuevos biomarcadores posibilita la obtención de un diagnóstico rápido y preciso. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del índice leucocitos/eosinófilos como marcador pronóstico del choque séptico. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación en dos etapas: la primera descriptiva en la cual se detallaron las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y las variaciones de los estudios de laboratorio y la segunda explicativa de cohorte para estimar el valor predictivo del biomarcador leucocitos/eosinopenia en el choque séptico. Se realizó el recuento de eosinófilos y se obtuvo la media aritmética. Se consideró eosinopenia relativa con valores por debajo de la media de eosinófilos. Resultados: En el estudio se demostró que la leucocitosis fue de (27,4 células*mm3), la disminución del hematocrito (32,2 por ciento) y el descenso del número plaquetario (125,6 célula*mm3) prevalecen en el choque séptico. Además se refleja el descenso de los eosinófilos (18,5 células/mcl), aumento del índice leucocitos/eosinófilos (148,1) y empeoramiento del SOFA (2,8). El aumento del índice leucocitos/eosinófilos se correlaciona con el aumento de la proteína C reactiva y la procalcitonina. Conclusiones: La correlación de la leucocitosis y la eosinopenia mostró la utilidad del índice leucocitos/eosinopenia como factor de predicción del choque séptico(AU)

Introduction: Septic shock has been recognized worldwide as a cause of high incidence of mortality. The incorporation of new biomarkers makes it possible to obtain a rapid and accurate diagnosis. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of the leukocyte/eosinophil ratio as a prognostic marker of septic shock. Methods: An investigation was carried out in two stages: in the first (the descriptive phase) the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and variations of the laboratory studies were detailed and in the second (the explanatory cohort phase), the predictive value of the leukocytes/eosinopenia biomarker in septic shock was estimated. The eosinophil count was performed and the arithmetic mean was obtained. Relative eosinopenia was considered with eosinophil values below the average. Results: The study showed that leukocytosis was 27.4 cells*mm3, hematocrit decreased in 32.2percent and decreased platelet number (125.6 cells*mm3) prevail in septic shock. In addition, a decrease in eosinophils (18.5 cells/mcl), an increase in the leukocyte/eosinophil ratio (148.1) and worsening of SOFA (2.8) are reflected. The increase in the leukocyte/eosinophil ratio is correlated with the increase in C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Conclusions: The correlation of leukocytosis and eosinopenia showed the usefulness of the leukocyte/eosinopenia index as a predictor of septic shock(AU)

Síndrome de disfunción orgánica múltiple progresiva en embarazo adolescente: reporte de caso clínico / Progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in adolescent pregnancy: Case report

Introducción El embarazo adolescente es un proceso fisiológico, pero puede evolucionar con parto prematuro, patologías obstétricas o médicas graves, mortalidad o secuelas para madre e hijo/a. Nuestro objetivo es reportar el síndrome de disfunción orgánica múltiple progresiva secundario a pielonefritis y sepsis ocurrido durante el preparto, parto y puerperio de embarazo adolescente y sus secuelas. Caso clínico Adolescente de 14 años, con embarazo de 27 semanas de gestación controlado desde las 8 hasta 25 semanas. Ingresó de urgencia en unidad de alto riesgo obstétrico por signos de parto prematuro, pielonefritis e injuria renal aguda. Se inició tratamiento con cefazolina intravenosa y betametasona para maduración pulmonar, nifedipino oral y sulfato de magnesio para prevención del parto prematuro y protección neuronal fetal, evolucionando con hipotensión sostenida y shock séptico. A las 13 horas después del ingreso, fue trasladada a unidad de paciente crítico donde evolucionó con falla orgánica múltiple persistente y progresiva durante 28 días, afectando sucesivamente los sistemas cardiovascular, hematológico, respiratorio y gastrointestinal. Se trató con drogas vasoactivas, antibióticos, ventilación mecánica invasiva, ultrafiltración, hemodiálisis, drenaje pleural y colecistectomía. A las 24 horas de ingreso a cuidado intensivo, ocurrió el parto prematuro vaginal. La embarazada desarrolló enfermedad renal crónica etapa KDIGO 5 ( V) y se encuentra en espera de trasplante renal. Por su parte, la recién nacida prematura viva presentó asfixia neonatal severa, displasia broncopulmonar y encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica. Conclusiones El embarazo adolescente complicado es una emergencia sanitaria. El diagnóstico y manejo oportuno de la pielonefritis, shock séptico y disfunción orgánica asociada a la sepsis pueden evitar mortalidad y secuelas permanentes materna y/o neonatal.

Introduction Adolescent pregnancy is a physiological process, but it can evolve with premature delivery, severe obstetric or clinical pathologies, mortality, or sequelae for mother and child. We aim to report the progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome secondary to pyelonephritis and sepsis during prepartum, delivery, and puerperium of adolescent pregnancy and its sequelae. Case report A 14-year-old adolescent with a pregnancy of 27 weeks of gestation controlled from 8 to 25 weeks. She was urgently admitted to the high-risk obstetric unit due to signs of preterm labor, pyelonephritis, and acute renal injury. Treatment was started with intravenous cefazolin and betamethasone for lung maturation, oral nifedipine, and magnesium sulfate to prevent preterm labor and fetal neuronal protection, evolving with sustained hypotension and septic shock. At 13 hours after admission, she was transferred to the intensive care unit, where she evolved with persistent and progressive multiple organ failure for 28 days, progressively affecting the cardiovascular, hematologic, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. She was treated with vasoactive drugs, antibiotics, invasive mechanical ventilation, ultrafiltration, hemodialysis, pleural drainage, and cholecystectomy. Twenty-four hours after admission to intensive care, preterm vaginal delivery occurred. She developed chronic kidney disease stage KDIGO 5 (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes V) and is awaiting renal transplantation. On the other hand, the preterm newborn presented severe neonatal asphyxia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Conclusion Complicated adolescent pregnancy is a health emergency. Avoiding delays in the diagnosis and treatment of pyelonephritis, septic shock and the progressive multiple organ dysfunction syndrome can prevent mortality and permanent sequelae, both maternal and neonatal.

Lack of change in the respiratory quotient during oxygen supply dependence in endotoxemic shock: a subanalysis of an experimental controlled study / Ausência de alteração no quociente respiratório durante a dependência do suprimento de oxigênio no choque endotoxêmico: subanálise de um estudo experimental controlado

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate if the reductions in systemic and renal oxygen consumption are associated with the development of evidence of anaerobic metabolism. Methods: This is a subanalysis of a previously published study. In anesthetized and mechanically ventilated sheep, we measured the respiratory quotient by indirect calorimetry and its systemic, renal, and intestinal surrogates (the ratios of the venous-arterial carbon dioxide pressure and content difference to the arterial-venous oxygen content difference. The Endotoxemic Shock Group (n = 12) was measured at baseline, after 60 minutes of endotoxemic shock, and after 60 and 120 minutes of fluid and norepinephrine resuscitation, and the values were compared with those of a Control Group (n = 12) without interventions. Results: Endotoxemic shock decreased systemic and renal oxygen consumption (6.3 [5.6 - 6.6] versus 7.4 [6.3 - 8.5] mL/minute/kg and 3.7 [3.3 - 4.5] versus 5.4 [4.6 - 9.4] mL/minute/100g; p < 0.05 for both). After 120 minutes of resuscitation, systemic oxygen consumption was normalized, but renal oxygen consumption remained decreased (6.3 [5.9 - 8.2] versus 7.1 [6.1 - 8.6] mL/minute/100g; p = not significance and 3.8 [1.9 - 4.8] versus 5.7 [4.5 - 7.1]; p < 0.05). The respiratory quotient and the systemic, renal and intestinal ratios of the venous-arterial carbon dioxide pressure and content difference to the arterial-venous oxygen content difference did not change throughout the experiments. Conclusion: In this experimental model of septic shock, oxygen supply dependence was not associated with increases in the respiratory quotient or its surrogates. Putative explanations for these findings are the absence of anaerobic metabolism or the poor sensitivity of these variables in detecting this condition.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se as reduções do consumo de oxigênio sistêmico e renal estão associadas ao desenvolvimento de evidências de metabolismo anaeróbico. Métodos: Esta é uma subanálise de estudo já publicado. Em ovinos anestesiados e ventilados mecanicamente, medimos o quociente respiratório por calorimetria indireta e seus substitutos sistêmicos, renais e intestinais (as razões entre a diferença de pressão venoarterial do teor de dióxido de carbono e a diferença arteriovenosa do teor de oxigênio). O Grupo Choque Endotoxêmico (n = 12) foi medido inicialmente, após 60 minutos do choque endotoxêmico e após 60 e 120 minutos da ressuscitação com fluidos e norepinefrina, e os valores foram comparados com os do Grupo Controle (n = 12) sem intervenções. Resultados: O choque endotoxêmico diminuiu o consumo de oxigênio sistêmico e renal (6,3 [5,6 - 6,6] versus 7,4 [6,3 - 8,5] mL/minuto/kg e 3,7 [3,3 - 4,5] versus 5,4 [4,6 - 9,4] mL/minuto/100g; p < 0,05 para ambos). Após 120 minutos de ressuscitação, o consumo sistêmico de oxigênio foi normalizado, mas o consumo renal de oxigênio permaneceu reduzido (6,3 [5,9 - 8,2] versus 7,1 [6,1 - 8,6] mL/minuto/100g; p = NS e 3,8 [1,9 - 4,8] versus 5,7 [4,5 - 7,1]; p < 0,05). O quociente respiratório e as razões sistêmica, renal e intestinal entre a diferença na pressão venoarterial do teor de dióxido de carbono e a diferença arteriovenosa do teor de oxigênio não se alteraram ao longo dos experimentos. Conclusão: Nesse modelo experimental de choque séptico, a dependência do suprimento de oxigênio não foi associada a aumentos no quociente respiratório ou em seus substitutos. As explicações possíveis para esses achados são a ausência de metabolismo anaeróbico ou a baixa sensibilidade dessas variáveis na detecção dessa condição.

Nuevas perspectivas en el estudio y tratamiento de la sepsis

La sepsis es una disfunción orgánica potencialmente mortal debida a una respuesta desregulada del hospedero a la infección. No sólo contribuye con el 20 % de todas las causas de muerte de forma global, sino que los sobrevivientes de esta también pueden experimentar una significativa morbilidad a largo plazo. La sepsis y el shock séptico son emergencias médicas que requieren reconocimiento rápido, administración de antimicrobianos apropiados, soporte hemodinámico cuidadoso y control de la fuente infecciosa. El objetivo de esta revisión fue describir la definición y los criterios diagnósticos, la epidemiología, los factores de riesgo, la patogenia y la conducta inicial ante la sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. It severely impacts global disease burden as it constates 20 % of all causes of death; its survivors may experience long-term morbidity. Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies that require rapid identification, administration of appropriate antimicrobials, careful hemodynamic support, and control of the infection source. This review aims to update the definition of sepsis and its diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and baseline behavior.

Shock séptico en niños con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus de la comunidad en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad

Introducción: La información disponible sobre los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de shock séptico es escasa, especialmente en población pediátrica. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de los niños con bacteriemia adquirida en la comunidad por Staphylococcus aureus y comparar las características de los pacientes con y sin shock séptico. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Criterios de inclusión: niños entre 30 días y 16 años de edad, internados en el Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan entre enero de 2017 y diciembre de 2019 por infecciones adquiridas en la comunidad con desarrollo de S. aureus en hemocultivos. Criterios de exclusión: antecedente de internación dentro de los 3 meses previos al ingreso, vivir en una comunidad cerrada, presencia de catéter de larga permanencia, dispositivos intraventriculares o intraperitoneales. Análisis estadístico: STATA 16. Resultados: Se incluyeron 142 niños. 21 niños (15%) presentaron shock séptico. En el análisis multivariado, se asociaron con shock séptico, la bacteriemia persistente (OR 7,15; IC95% 4,39-23,81; p: 0,001) y el foco secundario de infección (OR 6,72; IC 95% 2,02-22,2; p 0,002). La mortalidad relacionada con la infección fue 3,5% (5 pacientes). Conclusiones: El shock séptico se asoció con la bacteriemia persistente y la presencia de focos secundarios de infección.

Background: Available information about risk factors for the development of septic shock is scarce, especially in the pediatric population. Aim: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children with community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and to compare the characteristics of children with and without septic shock. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria: Children between 30 days and 16 years old, hospitalized in the Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019 for community-acquired infections with S. aureus isolation in blood cultures. Exclusion criteria: History of hospitalization within 3 months prior to admission, living in a closed community, presence of long-term catheter, intraventricular or intraperitoneal devices. Statistical analysis: STATA 16. Results: 142 children were included. 21 children (15%) experienced septic shock. On multivariate analysis, persistent bacteremia (OR 7.15, 95% CI 4.39-23.81, p: 0.001) and secondary focus of infection (OR 6.72, 95% CI 2.02-22.2, p 0.002) were associated with septic shock. The infection-related mortality rate was 3.5% (5 patients). Conclusions: Septic shock was associated with persistent bacteremia and the presence of secondary foci of infection.

Septic complications in patients of traumatic brain injury: An impact on clinical and functional outcome

Background: Septic complications in traumatic brain injury causes short- and long-term cerebral dysregulation by disruption of blood brain barrier, reduced brain perfusion, neuroinflammation and deposition of amyloid. Materials and methods: The present study attempted to observe patients of traumatic brain injury for the development of septic complications during the hospital stay. 89 patients were included in the study with different grades of brain injury (Injury Severity Score (ISS) range, 9-72). The patients were managed according to the trauma protocol and classified into 3 groups based on the severity of trauma (ISS 9-17 (moderate), 18-30 (severe), and >32 (most severe)). The patients were observed for the development of major septic complications during the course of their hospital stay, which impacted on the morbidity and mortality while determining the clinical and functional outcome at the end. Results: Mean age of the study population was 33.5 years. TBI was more common in younger age groups with severe grades of injury, those with multiplicity of head injuries, sepsis with a pulmonary focus, prolonged ICU and in-hospital stay together with high mortality. Septic complications were also more common in cases with higher grades of TBI and more prolonged hospital stay. Patients requiring intubation had a higher risk of developing infectious complications. 69 patients (77.5%) required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Pneumonia was the most common source of sepsis leading to the respiratory failure while the most common cause being aspiration at the time of injury Genitourinary complications were also common leading to urosepsis. Most common organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter, klebsiella and Pseudomonas. Conclusion: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) when complicated by sepsis and multi organ failure increases the mortality and morbidity with less favorable clinical and functional outcome together with increased duration of ICU and hospital stay.

Advances in Shock Management and Fluid Resuscitation in Children

Shock in children is associated with signifcant mortality and morbidity, particularly in resource-limited settings. The principles of management include early recognition, fuid resuscitation, appropriate inotropes, antibiotic therapy in sepsis, supportive therapy for organ dysfunction, and regular hemodynamic monitoring. During the past decade, each step has undergone several changes and evolved as evidence that has been translated into recommendations and practice. There is a paradigm shift from protocolized-based care to personalized management, from liberal strategies to restrictive strategies in terms of fuids, blood transfusion, ventilation, and antibiotics, and from clinical monitoring to multimodal monitoring using bedside technologies. However, uncertainties are still prevailing in terms of the volume of fuids, use of steroids, and use of extracorporeal and newer therapies while managing shock. These changes have been summarized along with evidence in this article with the aim of adopting an evidence-based approach while managing children with shock.

The predicting indices for the outcome of refractory septic shock in preterm infants / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the predictive value of vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), fluid overload (FO) and lactate level for the outcome of preterm infants with refractory septic shock.Methods:Preterm infants diagnosed with refractory septic shock and required hydrocortisone treatment in our Department from January 2016 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Preterm infants were assigned into three gestational age groups (<28 weeks, 28-31 weeks, 32-36 weeks). According to the outcome of the disease, the children were further divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. The relationship between the maximum VIS, FO and the mean lactic acid before hydrocortisone and the outcome of refractory septic shock was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the cut-off point of ROC curve was calculated to obtain the predictive efficacy of the three indicators for the outcome of refractory septic shock in preterm infants.Results:A total of 50 preterm infants with refractory septic shock and received hydrocortisone treatment were enrolled, including 20 in the good prognosis group and 30 in the poor prognosis group. There were no significant differences in the maximum VIS, FO and mean lactic acid before hydrocortisone treatment between the two groups of gestational age of <32 weeks ( P> 0.05). The maximum VIS, FO and mean lactic acid of gestational age of 32-36 weeks in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group, VIS: 56.1±15.7 vs. 37.1±12.9, FO (%): 108.2 (78.6,137.7) vs. 55.5 (10.3, 100.7), and mean lactic acid (mmol/L): 8.3 (4.6, 12.0) vs. 4.8 (-0.8, 10.5), all P<0.05. The area under the ROC curve of the mean lactic acid was the largest, the cut-off value was 4.1 mmol/L, and the Youden index was 1.732. Conclusions:VIS, FO and lactate level are difficult to be used for determining the outcome of refractory septic shock in preterm infants of <32 weeks. While the mean lactic acid has the best predictive performance in preterm infants of 32-36 weeks.

The guiding role of microcirculation monitoring in the treatment of septic shock / 中国小儿急救医学

Septic shock is the most critical stage of sepsis, and the core of the treatment is improving tissue hypoperfusion.In addition to the improvement of large circulation by fluid resuscitation, the microcirculation also need to be improved, then proper vasoactive drugs should be applied to different types of shock to meet the needs of the body for perfusion.The condition of septic shock progresses rapidly, and the microcirculation in different pathophysiological stages is different, which increases the difficulty of rational use of vasoactive drugs.Monitoring and accurate evaluation of peripheral microcirculation may provide guidance for individualized treatment of septic shock.

The value of bedside ultrasound and biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction and prognosis of septic shock in children / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of using bedside ultrasound and serum biomarkers for the prediction of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction(SIMD)and mortality in septic shock patients.Methods:The patients diagnosed as septic shock were enrolled in the study from January 2019 to July 2021 in PICU at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine.Bedside ultrasound results were recorded at day 1, 2, 3, 7 and 10.Blood samples were collected at the same time, markers of myocardial injury were detected, and prognosis was recorded at 28 days.According to the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), children with septic shock were divided into SIMD group and non-SIMD group.Those with LVEF <50% or decreased by ≥10% from baseline level were defined as SIMD.Differences in cardiac ultrasound parameters and biomarkers between two groups were compared.Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for SIMD and the independent risk factors for death at 28 days after septic shock.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of different indicators in predicting SIMD and the death outcome of children with septic shock on 28 days.Results:A total of 57 children were enrolled, including 28 cases in SIMD group and 29 cases in non-SIMD group.Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in pediatric critical illness score, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), LVEF and left ventricular short axis shortening rate between two groups ( P<0.05). Logistic analysis demonstrated that LVEF( OR=0.890, 95% CI 0.818-0.969, P=0.007)and NT-proBNP ( OR=1.000, 95% CI 1.000-1.000, P=0.015)could independently predict SIMD.There were 42 cases in survival group and 15 in non-survival group according to the prognosis on 28 days.Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in pediatric risk mortality score Ⅲ, pediatric sequential organ failure assessment, cardiac troponin I, and mitral annular plane systolic excursion(MAPSE)( P<0.05). Logistic analysis showed that only MAPSE independently predicted mortality( OR=85.670, 95% CI 1.685-4 356.736, P=0.026). Compared with MAPSE(AUC=0.727), MAPSE combined with pediatric risk mortality score Ⅲ, pediatric sequential organ failure assessment, cardiac troponin I(AUC=0.926) could be better to predict the 28 days prognosis of patients with septic shock on 28 days. Conclusion:NT-proBNP increases significantly in the early stage of SIMD.MAPSE shows no difference between SIMD and non-SIMD patients.MAPSE is correlated with the prognosis of patient with septic shock.

Predictive value of lactate clearance rate combined with syndecan-1 in patients with septic shock and ARDS / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To observe the changes of lactate clearance rate (LCR) and serum polyligandosan-1 (SDC-1) in patients with septic shock complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to evaluate its prognostic value.Methods:Patients with septic shock and ARDS who were admitted to the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) of Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from February 2021 to April 2022 were selected as subjects. The patients were divided into the survival group and death group according to their 28-day survival status. General clinical data and related indicators of patients in the two groups were collected and compared. The related factors influencing the 28-day death of patients with septic shock and ARDS were screened, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the individual and combined forecast value of LCR and SDC-1 for the prognosis of patients with septic shock and ARDS.Results:Compared with the survival group, sequential organ failure score (SOFA) and acute physiology and chronic health status score Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ) at admission to RICU, the levels of 24 h Lac, 6 h SDC-1, 24 h SDC-1 and 72 h SDC-1 in the death group increased significantly (all P< 0.05), and the levels of 6 h LCR, 24 h LCR, 6 h OI, 24 h OI and 72 h OI significantly decreased (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that SDC-1 at 6 h, 24 h and 72 h was significantly negatively correlated with OI at corresponding time points (all P<0.05), and LCR at 6 h and 24 h was significantly positively correlated with OI at corresponding time points (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that SOFA score, 24 h LCR, 24 h SDC-1 and 72 h SDC-1 were the risk factors of 28-d death in patients with septic shock and ARDS (all P<0.05). The areas under ROC curve of each related factor were SOFA score, 24 h LCR, 24 h SDC-1 and 72 h SDC-1, which could predict the prognosis (all P<0.05). 24 h LCR combined with 24 h SDC-1 had the maximum area under the curve (AUC=0.805, 95% CI: 0.691-0.920, with a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 74.4%). Conclusions:24 h LCR, 24 h SDC-1 and 72 h SDC-1 are the risk factors of the 28-day death of patients with septic shock and ARDS. 24 h LCR combined with 24 h SDC-1 can improve the test efficiency compared with the single indicator.

sPD-1 and changes of lymphocyte subsets in predicting the prognosis of patients with sepsis: a prospective cohort study / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To observe the dynamic changes of soluble programmed cell death protein 1 (sPD-1) and cellular immunity and humoral immunity in patients with sepsis and septic shock, and to explore the relationship between sPD-1 and immunosuppression in sepsis.Methods:This study was a prospective cohort study. Patients with sepsis and septic shock admitted to the ICU of General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from June 2018 to December 2018 were included as the study subjects, ordinary postoperative patients admitted to the ICU during the same period were included as the non-sepsis group, and healthy volunteers matched in age and sex were included as healthy controls. The sPD-1, lymphocyte count, serum immunoglobulin and lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood on the first, third and seventh days after admission to the ICU were detected. The changes of sPD-1 and various immune indices in each group were compared, and the correlation between the indices was analyzed. For healthy controls and non-sepsis patients, only blood samples were tested on the day of inclusion.Results:A total of 90 patients [58 males and 32 females, aged (58.36±17.46) years] were included in this study, including 29 cases of sepsis, 31 cases of septic shock, 15 cases of non-sepsis, and 15 volunteers were recruited as healthy control group. The 28-day fatality rate of patients in the sepsis and septic shock groups was 28.3%. On the first day of ICU admission, the sPD-1 concentration were significantly higher in the septic shock group and sepsis group than those in the non-sepsis group and healthy control group [512.64 (216.85, 1039.41) pg/mL vs. 261.90 (191.96, 421.99) pg/mL vs. 191.56 (151.26, 232.66) pg/mL vs. 200.51 (162.14, 241.26) pg/mL, all P<0.05]. The sPD-1 concentration in the septic shock group was significantly higher than that in the sepsis group, and this phenomenon persisted for at least one week ( P<0.05). The lymphocyte count on the first day in the sepsis and septic shock groups were significantly lower than those in the healthy control and non-sepsis groups (all P<0.05), and the lymphocyte count in the septic shock group remained lower levels until the seventh day of ICU admission (all P<0.05). The percentage of lymphocytes and total T lymphocytes in the sepsis and septic shock groups were significantly lower than those in the healthy control and non-sepsis groups (all P<0.05), while the percentage of total B lymphocytes did not differ between groups (all P>0.05). The percentage of CD8+ T lymphocytes on the seventh day of ICU admission in the septic shock group was still significantly lower than that in the sepsis group [(18.36±2.23)% vs. (28.28±2.97)%, P<0.05]. The levels of serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgM were significantly lower in the sepsis and septic shock group than those in the healthy control and non-sepsis groups (all P<0.05), and the IgG and IgM in the sepsis and septic shock groups returned to normal on the seventh day of ICU admission. The area under the ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of sPD-1 on poor prognosis, and the results showed that sPD-1 on the seventh day of ICU had a good predictive value for 28-day prognosis in patients with sepsis and septic shock, and the best cut-off value was 286.52 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 100.00% and specificity of 56.25%. Conclusions:Immunosuppression occurs in patients with sepsis and septic shock in the early stage, and the duration of immunosuppression in patients with septic shock is prolonged, but humoral immunosuppression plays a major defense in the early stage, and cellular immunosuppression is dominant in the later stage.

Evaluation of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index on prognosis and application timing of Shenfu injection in elderly patients with septic shock / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (aCCI) in the clinical prognosis of sepsis and septic shock in the elderly, and to further explore the role of aCCI in evaluating the timing of Shenfu injection in elderly patients with septic shock.Methods:Clinical data of elderly patients with sepsis and septic shock in Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. With the median aCCI score of all samples as the cutoff value, the patients were divided into the low aCCI score group and high aCCI score group. The prognosis of elderly patients with septic shock and the application timing of Shenfu injection with aCCI score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) were compared.Results:A total of 61 patients were included, including 31 patients in the high aCCI score group. The proportion of septic shock in elderly sepsis patients was lower in the low aCCI score group ( P < 0.05). The aCCI score (95% CI: 1.229-2.615; P< 0.01) was more valuable than SOFA score (95% CI: 1.035-1.607; P< 0.05) in predicting septic shock in elderly patients with sepsis. The 28-day survival rate in the low aCCI score group was higher than that in the high aCCI score group ( P < 0.05). Both the SOFA score (95% CI: 1.010-1.364) and the aCCI score (95% CI: 1.072-10.501) were independent factors affecting the 28-day survival rate. The use of Shenfu injection was associated with 28-day survival outcome in elderly patients with septic shock (95% CI: 0.012-0.788; P < 0.05). Conclusions:aCCI score is more effective than SOFA score in assessing the risk of shock in elderly patients with septic shock, and has a certain predictive value for the survival and prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis. Shenfu injection may be beneficial to the survival and prognosis of elderly patients with septic shock, but it needs to be further verified by large-scale prospective studies.

Sepsis and septic shock: epidemiology, clinical parameters, and prognostic factors in a brazilian intensive care unit / Sepse e choque séptico: epidemiologia, parâmetros clínicos e fatores prognósticos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva brasileira / Sepsis y shock séptico: epidemiología, parámetros clínicos y factores pronósticos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos brasileña

Sepsis is an organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The identification of prognostic markers in this syndrome has been a strategy to increase treatment efficacy. The objectives of this study were: 1) to describe the epidemiological and microbiological profile of septic patients and 2) to investigate the association between laboratory/clinical parameters and mortality rate, identifying prognostic markers. Using a prospective observational protocol, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were collected from adult patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to a Brazilian Intensive Care Unit. During the study period, 120 patients were diagnosed with sepsis and 71.67% (n = 86) were included in the protocol. The overall mortality was 69.76% and chronic diseases were identified in 79.07% of cases. The mortality rates for sepsis and septic shock were 51.06% and 92.31%, respectively. SOFA scores on the first, third, and seventh days of hospitalization gradually increased for patients who had clinical worsening. Hyperlactatemia and hyperglycemia were identified in 45.9% and 27% of patients, respectively, and were associated with mortality. INR values greater than 1.5 or thrombocytopenia were related to 92.9% and 88.6% mortality, respectively. In the study, gender, age, ICU stay, site of infection and microbiological agent were not associated with the risk of death. However, the presence of comorbidities, high SOFA scores, three or more organ dysfunctions, and sepsis severity correlated directly with mortality rate.

A sepse é uma disfunção orgânica causada por uma resposta desregulada do hospedeiro à infecção e está associada a alta morbidade e mortalidade. A identificação de marcadores prognósticos nessa síndrome tem sido uma estratégia para aumentar a eficácia do tratamento. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) descrever o perfil epidemiológico e microbiológico de pacientes sépticos e 2) investigar a associação entre parâmetros laboratoriais/clínicos e a taxa de mortalidade, identificando marcadores prognósticos. Por meio de um protocolo observacional prospectivo foram coletados dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais de pacientes adultos com sepse ou choque séptico internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva brasileira. No período do estudo, 120 pacientes foram diagnosticados com sepse e 71,67% (n = 86) foram incluídos no protocolo. A mortalidade geral foi de 69,76% e doenças crônicas foram identificadas em 79,07% dos casos. As taxas de mortalidade por sepse e choque séptico foram de 51,06% e 92,31%, respectivamente. Os escores SOFA no primeiro, terceiro e sétimo dias de internação aumentaram gradativamente para os pacientes que apresentaram piora clínica. Hiperlactatemia e hiperglicemia foram identificadas em 45,9% e 27% dos pacientes, respectivamente, tendo sido associadas à mortalidade. Valores de INR maiores que 1,5 ou trombocitopenia foram relacionados a 92,9% e 88,6% de mortalidade, respectivamente. No estudo, sexo, idade, permanência na UTI, local da infecção e agente microbiológico não se associaram ao risco de óbito. No entanto, a presença de comorbidades, altos escores SOFA, três ou mais disfunções orgânicas e a gravidade da sepse correlacionaram-se diretamente com a taxa de mortalidade.

La sepsis es una disfunción orgánica causada por una respuesta desregulada del huésped a la infección y se asocia a una elevada morbilidad y mortalidad. La identificación de marcadores pronósticos en este síndrome ha sido una estrategia para aumentar la eficacia del tratamiento. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: 1) describir el perfil epidemiológico y microbiológico de los pacientes sépticos y 2) investigar la asociación entre los parámetros de laboratorio/clínicos y la tasa de mortalidad, identificando marcadores pronósticos. Mediante un protocolo observacional prospectivo, se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, clínicos y de laboratorio de pacientes adultos con sepsis o shock séptico ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos brasileña. Durante el período de estudio, 120 pacientes fueron diagnosticados de sepsis y el 71,67% (n = 86) fueron incluidos en el protocolo. La mortalidad global fue del 69,76% y se identificaron enfermedades crónicas en el 79,07% de los casos. Las tasas de mortalidad por sepsis y shock séptico fueron del 51,06% y el 92,31%, respectivamente. Las puntuaciones SOFA en el primer, tercer y séptimo día de hospitalización aumentaron gradualmente en los pacientes que presentaron empeoramiento clínico. La hiperlactatemia y la hiperglucemia se identificaron en el 45,9% y el 27% de los pacientes, respectivamente, y se asociaron a mortalidad. Los valores de INR superiores a 1,5 o la trombocitopenia se relacionaron con un 92,9% y un 88,6% de mortalidad, respectivamente. En el estudio, el sexo, la edad, la estancia en la UCI, el lugar de la infección y el agente microbiológico no se asociaron con el riesgo de muerte. Sin embargo, la presencia de comorbilidades, las puntuaciones SOFA elevadas, tres o más disfunciones orgánicas y la gravedad de la sepsis se correlacionaron directamente con la tasa de mortalidad.

Delta de CO2 como estrategia del manejo integral del paciente con choque séptico en la UCI / CO2 delta as a strategy for the comprehensive management of patients with septic shock in the ICU / Delta CO2 como estratégia para o tratamento integral do paciente com choque séptico na UTI

Resumen: Introducción: el choque séptico es un subconjunto de sepsis en el que las anomalías circulatorias, celulares y metabólicas subyacentes son lo suficientemente profundas para aumentar de manera sustancial la mortalidad. Estos pacientes pueden ser identificados en un contexto clínico de choque séptico con hipotensión persistente. La importancia de vigilar valores de delta de pCO2 (presión parcial de dióxido de carbono) de 6 mmHg sirve como herramienta complementaria para evaluar el flujo sanguíneo adecuado hacia la demanda metabólica global. Objetivo: demostrar que el delta de pCO2 es útil en el manejo integral del paciente con choque séptico en la unidad de cuidados intensivos para dirigir el tratamiento de acuerdo con este biomarcador, que se registró al ingreso y a las 24 horas, se relacionaron al pronóstico y a la mortalidad en choque séptico. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, ambispectivo, longitudinal y analítico. El universo se compuso de los pacientes que ingresaron a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital General «La Villa¼ y del Hospital General «Dr. Rubén Leñero¼. Diseño de la maniobra: se tomaron gasometrías arterial y venosa de los pacientes que ingresaron a la UCI, se calculó el delta de pCO2 para ver si los valores de este biomarcador estaban por arriba o debajo de 6 mmHg, ya que un delta de pCO2 se relaciona con mortalidad; sin embargo, el delta de pCO2 se comparó contra el lactato para correlacionar niveles mayores de lactato de 2 mmol/L con la mortalidad. y finalmente observar cuál de los dos biomarcadores es más útil. Se utilizó estadística descriptica para los resultados. Conclusión: de acuerdo a los resultados encontrados en este estudio, se puede decir que el delta de pCO2 y el lactato predijeron el fallecimiento de 15%, lo cual tiene una significancia positiva débil (p = 0.245).

Abstract: Introduction: septic shock is a subset of sepsis in which underlying circulatory, cellular, and metabolic abnormalities are profound enough to substantially increase mortality. These patients can be identified in a clinical setting of septic shock with persistent hypotension. The importance of monitoring delta pCO2 values of 6 mmHg serves as a complementary tool to assess adequate blood flow towards global metabolic demand. Objective: to demonstrate that the pCO2 delta is useful in the comprehensive management of patients with septic shock in the Intensive Care Unit to direct the treatment according to this biomarker (pCO2 delta) that was recorded at admission and at 24 hours, were related to prognosis and mortality in septic shock. Material and methods: descriptive, ambispective, longitudinal and analytical study. The universe was made up of patients admitted to the ICU of the La Villa and Rubén Leñero General Hospitals. Maneuver design: arterial and venous blood gases were taken from the patients admitted to the ICU, the pCO2 delta was calculated to see if the values of this biomarker were above or below 6 mmHg, since a pCO2 delta is related to with mortality; however, delta pCO2 was compared against Lactate to correlate lactate levels greater than two with mortality and finally see which of the two biomarkers is more useful. Descriptive statistics were used for the results. Conclusion: according to the results found in this study, it can be said that delta pCO2 and lactate predicted the death of 15%, which has a weak positive significance (p = 0.245).

Resumo: Introdução: choque séptico é um subconjunto de sepse em que anormalidades circulatórias, celulares e metabólicas subjacentes são profundas o suficiente para aumentar substancialmente a mortalidade, esses pacientes podem ser identificados em um cenário clínico de choque séptico com hipotensão persistente. A importância do monitoramento de valores Delta de pCO2 de 6 mmHg serve como ferramenta complementar para avaliar o fluxo sanguíneo adequado à demanda metabólica global. Objetivo: demonstrar que o Delta pCO2 é útil no manejo integral de pacientes com choque séptico na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva para direcionar o tratamento de acordo com este biomarcador (Delta pCO2) que foi registrado na admissão e em 24 horas, relacionado ao prognóstico e mortalidade no choque séptico. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo, ambispectivo, longitudinal e analítico. O universo foi constituído pelos pacientes internados na UTI dos Hospitais Gerais La Villa e Rubén Leñero. Desenho da estratégia: foram coletadas gasometrias arteriais e venosas dos pacientes internados na UTI, o Delta pCO2 foi calculado para ver se os valores desse biomarcador estavam acima ou abaixo de 6 mmHg, pois um Delta pCO2 está relacionado com mortalidade; entretanto, Delta pCO2 foi comparado com Lactato para correlacionar níveis de lactato maiores que 2 com mortalidade e finalmente observar qual dos dois biomarcadores é mais útil. Foram usadas estatísticas descritivas para os resultados. Conclusão: de acordo com os resultados encontrados neste estudo, pode-se dizer que Delta pCO2 e Lactato predizem óbito em 15%, o que tem uma fraca significância positiva (p = 0.245).

Sildenafil in endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension: an experimental study

Abstract Background Sepsis and septic shock still represent great challenges in critical care medicine. Sildenafil has been largely used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, but its effects in sepsis are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that sildenafil can attenuate endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension in a porcine model of endotoxemia. Methods Twenty pigs were randomly assigned to Control group (n = 10), which received saline solution; or to Sildenafil group (n = 10), which received sildenafil orally (100 mg). After 30 minutes, both groups were submitted to endotoxemia with intravenous bacterial lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS) infusion (4 µg.kg-1.h-1) for 180 minutes. We evaluated hemodynamic and oxygenation functions, and also lung histology and plasma cytokine (TNFα, IL-1β, IL6, and IL10) and troponin I response. Results Significant hemodynamic alterations were observed after 30 minutes of LPS continuous infusion, mainly in pulmonary arterial pressure (from Baseline 19 ± 2 mmHg to LPS30 52 ± 4 mmHg, p< 0.05). There was also a significant decrease in PaO2/FiO2 (from Baseline 411 ± 29 to LPS180 334 ± 49, p< 0.05). Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly lower in the Sildenafil group (35 ± 4 mmHg at LPS30, p< 0.05). The Sildenafil group also presented lower values of systemic arterial pressure. Sildenafil maintained oxygenation with higher PaO2/FiO2 and lower oxygen extraction rate than Control group but had no effect on intrapulmonary shunt. All cytokines and troponin increased after LPS infusion in both groups similarly. Conclusion Sildenafil attenuated endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension preserving the correct heart function without improving lung lesions or inflammation.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis combined with septic shock

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTCD) for the treatment of Acute Obstructive Suppurative Cholangitis (AOSC) combined with septic shock due to choledocholithiasis, and its effect on inflammatory factors. Methods Clinical data of 86 patients with AOSC and septic shock admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and grouped according to different treatment methods. Among them, 43 patients who underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Nasobiliary Drainage (ENBD) were included in the Control Group (CNG), and 43 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided PTCD were included in the Study Group (SG). Results The total effective rate in the SG (88.37%) was higher than that in the CNG (69.77%) (p <0.05); after surgery, the serum inflammatory factors PCT, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP levels, liver function indicators such as TBIL, DBIL, AST, ALT levels, and stress response indicators including NPY, PGE2, 5-HT levels were reduced, and were lower in the SG than in the CNG (p <0.05); postoperatively, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the CNG were significantly lower than those before surgery (p <0.05); Postoperatively, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the SG were significantly higher than those in the CNG (p <0.05); and the complication rate in the SG (6.98%) was lower than that in the CNG (25.58%) (p <0.05). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided PTCD for AOSC combined with septic shock can facilitate the recovery of liver and immune functions with a low complication rate.

Serum galectin-3 levels predict poor prognosis in sepsis and septic shock patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Sepsis and septic shock are clinical conditions with high mortality and an ever-increasing prevalence, and early diagnosis is of great importance in treating these diseases. Increase in serum Galectin-3 protein in septic patients is associated with increased inflammation, which in turn is associated with mortality. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic importance of serum Galectin-3 levels and its relationship with in-hospital mortality in sepsis and septic shock patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 44 sepsis and 44 septic shock patients. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation 2 score were calculated. In addition, routine clinical and laboratory parameters along with serum Galectin-3 were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum Galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in the septic shock group [4.1 (0.1-10.2) vs. 6.0 (0.1-11.3) ng/mL, respectively; p=0.01]. Moreover, patients with a Galectin-3 level <6.94 ng/mL were associated with longer survival [31.4 vs. 23.1 days; hazards ratio, 1.85; 1.03-3.34, p=0.03]. More importantly, the need for mechanical ventilation, the duration of mechanical ventilation, and serum Galectin-3 levels were independent prognostic factors and predicted poor in-hospital survival in both sepsis and septic shock patients. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Galectin-3 levels are higher in septic shock patients and predict mortality. In addition, high serum Galectin-3 levels, together with mechanical ventilation requirement and mechanical ventilation duration, are closely associated with poor in-hospital survival. Therefore, Galectin-3 may be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in these patients.