Saving Lives by Early Detection and Treatment of Sepsis and Septic Shock by Point of Care Lactate Test in Adults

Burden: The global burden of sepsis is difficult to ascertain, although a recent scientific publication estimated that in 2017 there were 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths worldwide, which accounted for almost 20% of all global deaths. Recent chart analysis from Dhaka Hospital, icddrb recorded 350 adults with severe sepsis admitted over four years. Among them, 69% of patients progressed to septic shock. Knowledge gap: Clinical features of shock due to sepsis and shock due to severe dehydration are very intertwining and often predicament for critical care physicians. If not recognized early and managed promptly, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure, and eventually death. Serum lactate may play a role as the point of care test in differentiating shock due to severe sepsis from shock due to severe dehydration. Relevance: Being the largest diarrhoeal disease hospital, the Dhaka Hospital of icddr,b is ideal for researching shock with diarrheal diseases. Even though the onset of sepsis can be acute and poses a short-term mortality burden, it can also cause significant long-term morbidity, requiring treatment and support. Thus, addressing sepsis and severe sepsis by early detection and prompt management should be a comprehensive way to reduce the burden in our community.