Statistical data

Several research studies carried out in the US have shown that more than 10 million patients who were diagnosed with sepsis were detected. This accounted for 1.3% of all hospitalizations. The overall incidence of sepsis increased 3-fold over this period of time from 83 cases per year per 100,000 population to 240 cases per year per 100,000 population.
 

·          Mortality/Morbidity

Although mortality from sepsis is extremely frequent, the good thing is that these last couple of years, a reduction in hospital mortality rates for sepsis from 28 percent to 18 percent has been reported! Some large studies have proven a mortality rate for severe sepsis cases of anywhere from 30 to 50 percent, whereas simply meeting SIRS criteria carries a mortality of less than 10 percent.
 

·          Race

It is important to point out that the incidence of sepsis is higher in the non-white population, with the incidence in black men being the highest at 331 cases per year per 100,000 population.
 

·          Sex

Most of the research studies carried out on the topic have confirmed that men are more likely to develop sepsis.
 

·          Age

 

Experts are saying that men tend to develop sepsis earlier in life than women.

Having said that, anyone, at any age, can develop septic shock.

Risk factors for septic shock include:

·          Diseases of the genitourinary system, biliary system, or intestinal system

·          Recent infection

·          Long-term use of antibiotics

·          Recent surgery or another invasive medical procedure.

·          Diabetes 

·          Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS

·          Lymphoma

·          Leukemia