Early diagnosis of severe infection

McGalliard, RJ ORCID: 0000-0003-0320-9945 and Carrol, ED ORCID: 0000-0001-8357-7726 (2018) Early diagnosis of severe infection Paediatrics and Child Health United Kingdom, 28 (6). pp. 249-253. ISSN 1751-7222, 1878-206X

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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:	32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 3202 Clinical Sciences, Prevention, Infectious Diseases, Hematology, Sepsis, 4.2 Evaluation of markers and technologies, 4.1 Discovery and preclinical testing of markers and technologies, Inflammatory and immune system, Infection, 3 Good Health and Well Being
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	21 May 2018 06:58
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2026 01:42
DOI:	10.1016/j.paed.2018.04.001
Related Websites:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3021490
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