Early diagnosis of severe infection

McGalliard, Rachel J ORCID: 0000-0003-0320-9945 and Carrol, Enitan D ORCID: 0000-0001-8357-7726 (2018) Early diagnosis of severe infection. Paediatrics and Child Health, 28 (6). pp. 249-253.

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Abstract

Sepsis is recognised as a global health concern and has a high morbidity and mortality. Evidence shows that mortality rates can be reduced by up to 50% through early recognition and treatment. However, indiscriminate antibiotic use can lead to resistant microbial strains, and increased cost. Sepsis is newly redefined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Screening tools exist and the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provide a recommended screening tool which identifies most children at risk from sepsis. Current biomarkers do not reliably differentiate between sepsis and inflammation, and show a delayed response (12–24 hours) to bacterial infection. Evolving research shows procalcitonin is a biomarker released in response to inflammatory stimuli during bacterial infections, with very high levels produced in sepsis and enables real-time monitoring. This review discusses the new definitions of sepsis, importance of making an early diagnosis with appropriate investigations and future diagnostic advancements.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Hematology, Clinical Research, Sepsis, Prevention, Health Services, Infectious Diseases, 4.1 Discovery and preclinical testing of markers and technologies, 4 Detection, screening and diagnosis, 4.2 Evaluation of markers and technologies, Infection, Inflammatory and immune system, 3 Good Health and Well Being
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	21 May 2018 06:58
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2024 13:23
DOI:	10.1016/j.paed.2018.04.001
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3021490