An algorithm of good clinical practice to reduce intra-hospital 90-day mortality and need for Intensive Care Unit transfer: a new approach for septic patient management

Sepsis accounts for 50% of intra-hospital mortality. Septic shock is diagnosed in 2% of patients with half of these needing for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) transfer. An algorithm was applied for mortality, need for intensive care transfer and length of stay decrease. The observational study was performed on 231 consecutive enrolled patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome. The algorithm was based on good clinical practice application of antimicrobial stewardship. Data were compared with data from comparable population of National and European surveys. In the study group, the global mortality rate was 26.8% (3.9% was intra-hospital and 23% 90-d mortality), need of ICU transfer was registered in 21.6%, and the median length of stay was 15 days. Globally, intra-hospital and 90-day mortality, were significantly lower than at national level (26.8% vs 63.6%, P<0.0001; 3.9% vs 25%, P<0.0001 and 23% vs 37.5%, P=0.0092). Need for ICU transfer in patients with septic shock was significantly lower than in the English survey (31.9% by vs 80.8% P<0.0001). A significant decrease of intra-hospital, 90-d mortality and need of ICU transfer was achieved.