Features of new-onset organ dysfunction in children with sepsis

Abstract:

Objective To study the features of new-onset organ dysfunction in children with sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of children with sepsis who were admitted to the PICU from 2015 to 2016. There were 34 children with severe sepsis and 69 with non-severe sepsis, and the two groups were compared in terms of the incidence rate of new-onset organ dysfunction and the functional status on admission and at discharge. Results The severe sepsis group had a significantly higher incidence rate of new-onset organ dysfunction than the non-severe sepsis group (38% vs 6%; P < 0.05). The children in the non-severe sepsis group had a relatively good functional status on admission, with marked improvement in the overall functional status at discharge. The children in the severe sepsis group had a poor functional status on admission, with mild/moderate abnormalities in consciousness, sensation, communication and respiratory function at discharge. Conclusions Children with non-severe sepsis have a low incidence rate of new-onset organ dysfunction and a good prognosis, and those with severe sepsis often have a high incidence rate of new-onset organ dysfunction and a poor prognosis.