Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Objective: Nosocomial sepsis is among the major factors contributing to mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Mortality predictors in general ICU patients with nosocomial sepsis were investigated.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2013 and May 1, 2014 in two general ICUs of a training and research hospital. In total, 95 sepsis attacks developing in 83 patients were included. Data from patient medical records were recorded on standardised forms.

RESULTS

The incidence of sepsis was 21.2 cases per 100 ICU admissions. The median length of stay in the ICU was 37.56±39.595 (range, 1-173) days. Of the patients, 43 (51.8%) were males and 40 (48.2%) females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 90 (median, 69±15.753) years. The median APACHE II score was 26.9±6.4 (range, 15-45). The primary reasons for admission were medical problems in 62 (74.7%), elective surgeries in 13 (15.7%), and emergency surgeries in 10 (12.8%). Pneumonia (80%) accounted for the majority of nosocomial sepsis cases in the ICUs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24.6%), Acinetobacter baumannii (24.6%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.5%) were the most commonly identified microorganisms. The final multivariate logistic regression showed that emergency surgery (P = 0.004), an increase in the SOFA score (P= 0.001), and haemodialysis required for acute renal failure (P = 0.004) were statistically significant risk factors for mortality due to nosocomial sepsis.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Monitoring SOFA scores may be useful for the follow up patients with nosocomial sepsis.