Trends in Severe Sepsis Admissions in the UK (1996-2004)
Author Information
Author(s): Harrison David A, Welch Catherine A, Eddleston Jane M
Primary Institution: Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC)
Hypothesis
What are the trends in the incidence and mortality of severe sepsis in critical care over time?
Conclusion
The incidence of severe sepsis admissions and associated hospital deaths are increasing in the UK.
Supporting Evidence
- Severe sepsis admissions increased from 23.5% in 1996 to 28.7% in 2004.
- Hospital mortality for severe sepsis decreased from 48.3% in 1996 to 44.7% in 2004.
- Total deaths from severe sepsis rose from 9,000 in 1996 to 14,000 in 2004.
Takeaway
More people are getting very sick from severe sepsis in the UK, and while fewer are dying, the total number of deaths is still going up.
Methodology
Data from the ICNARC Case Mix Programme Database was analyzed using generalised linear models to assess trends in severe sepsis admissions.
Potential Biases
Variability in the quality of care across different units may affect results.
Limitations
The data were not collected specifically for identifying severe sepsis, and some definitions could only be approximated.
Participant Demographics
Data included 343,860 admissions to 172 adult critical care units in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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