Bacterial Sepsis: Practice Essentials, Background, Etiology
Definitions
Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome usually caused by bacterial infection. Sepsis is a response of the body's immune system that results in organ dysfunction or failure. The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria were recently replaced by the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) in 2016, allowing for quick bedside analysis of organ dysfunction in patients with suspected or documented infection. The qSOFA score includes a respiratory rate of 22 breaths/minute or more, systolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg or less, and altered level of consciousness. [1, 2] For completeness, severe sepsis is defined as sepsis complicated by organ dysfunction.
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is characterized by progressive organ dysfunction in a severely ill patient, with failure to maintain homeostasis without intervention. It is the end stage in infectious conditions (sepsis, septic shock) and noninfectious conditions (eg, SIRS due to pancreatitis). The greater the number of organ failures, the higher the mortality risk, with the greatest risk associated with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. MODS can be classified as primary or secondary. [3]
Primary MODS is the direct result of identifiable injury or insult with early organ dysfunction (eg, renal failure due to a nephrotoxic agent or liver failure due to a hepatotoxic agent).
Secondary MODS is organ failure that has no attributable cause and is a consequence of the host's response (eg, acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS] in individuals with pancreatitis).
The following parameters are used to assess individual organ dysfunction:
Respiratory system: Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO 2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2) ratio
Hematology: Platelet count, coagulation panel (prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time)
Liver: Serum bilirubin
Renal: Serum creatinine (or urine output)
Brain: Glasgow coma score
Cardiovascular: Hypotension and vasopressor requirement
Septic shock is defined as sepsis with hypotension requiring vasopressor therapy to maintain a mean blood pressure of more than 65 mm Hg and a serum lactate level exceeding 2 mmol/L (18 mg/dL) after adequate fluid resuscitation. [1] This has a greater risk of mortality and long-term morbidity.
Pseudosepsis is defined as fever, leukocytosis, and hypotension due to causes other than sepsis. Examples might include the clinical picture seen with salicylate intoxication, methamphetamine overdose, or bilateral adrenal hemorrhage.
Etiology
Sepsis can be caused by an obvious injury or infection or a more complicated etiology such as perforation, compromise, or rupture of an intra-abdominal or pelvic structure. [4] Other etiologies can include meningitis, head and neck infections, deep neck space infections, pyelonephritis, renal abscess (intrarenal or extrarenal), acute prostatitis/prostatic abscess, severe skin or skin structure infections (eg, necrotizing fasciitis), postsurgical infections, or systemic infections such as rickettsial infection. A more detailed discussion of sepsis etiology in various organ systems is provided in Etiology.
Clinical Presentation
Individuals with sepsis may present with localizing symptoms related to a specific site or source of infection or may present with nonspecific symptoms. Individuals with nonspecific symptoms are usually acutely ill with fever and may present with or without shaking chills. Mental status may be impaired in the setting of fever or hypotension. Patients with bacteremia from any source often display an increased breathing rate resulting in respiratory alkalosis. The skin of patients with sepsis may be warm or cold, depending on the adequacy of organ and skin perfusion. A detailed history and physical examination is essential in determining the likely source of the septic process (See History and Physical Examination). This helps the clinician to determine the appropriate treatment and antimicrobial therapy (see Treatment for further detail).
See Clinical Presentation for more detail.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of sepsis is based on a detailed history, physical examination, laboratory and microbiology testing, and imaging studies.
Laboratory studies that may be considered include the following:
Complete blood (CBC) count - May show elevated or low white blood cell count, anemia, and/or thrombocytopenia
Chemistry studies, such as markers of liver or kidney injury - May suggest organ dysfunction
Bacterial cultures - Blood cultures and site-specific cultures based on clinical suspicion (eg, wound culture, sputum culture, or urine culture)
Stained buffy coat smears or Gram staining of peripheral blood - May be helpful in certain infections
Urine studies (urinalysis, microscopy, urine culture)
Certain biomarkers, such as procalcitonin [5, 6, 7] and presepsin [8] - May be useful in diagnosing early sepsis and in determining prognosis
Imaging modalities should be focused on areas of clinical concern, based on the history and physical examination, and may include the following:
Chest radiography (to rule out pneumonia and diagnose other causes of pulmonary infiltrates)
Chest CT scanning (to further evaluate for pneumonia or other lung pathology)
Abdominal ultrasonography (for suspected biliary tract obstruction)
Abdominal CT scanning or MRI (for assessing a suspected non-biliary intra-abdominal source of infection or delineating intrarenal and extrarenal pathology)
Site-specific soft tissue imaging, including ultrasonography, CT scanning, or MRI (to assess for possible abscess, fluid collection, or necrotizing skin infection)
Contrast-enhanced CT scanning or MRI of the brain/neck (to assess for possible masses, abscess, fluid collection, or necrotizing infection)
The following cardiac studies may be useful if cardiac involvement or disease is suspected as a cause or complication of infection:
Electrocardiography (ECG) to evaluate for conduction abnormalities or delays or arrhythmias; pericarditis may be a cause of “pseudosepsis”
Cardiac enzyme levels
Echocardiography to evaluate for structural heart disease
Invasive diagnostic procedures that may be considered include the following:
Thoracentesis (in patients with pleural effusion)
Paracentesis (in patients with ascites)
Drainage of fluid collections/abscesses
Bronchoscopy with washing, lavage, or other invasive sampling (in patients with suspected pneumonia)
See Workup for more detail.
Management
Initial management may include the following:
Inpatient admission or ICU admission for monitoring and treatment
Initiation of empiric antibiotic therapy, to be followed by focused treatment based on culture, laboratory, and imaging data
Supportive therapy as necessary to maintain organ perfusion and respiration; timely intervention with infection source control, hemodynamic stabilization, and ventilatory support
Transfer if requisite facilities are not available at the admitting hospital
Appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy depends on adequate coverage of the presumed pathogen(s) responsible for the septic process, potential antimicrobial resistance patterns, and patient-specific issues such as drug allergies or chronic medical conditions. Tying sites of infection to specific pathogens should occur, as follows:
Intravenous line infections: Consider broad-spectrum coverage for gram-positive organisms, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (linezolid, vancomycin, or daptomycin) and gram-negative nosocomial pathogens (especially Pseudomonas species and other Enterobacteriaceae [piperacillin-tazobactam, carbapenems, or cefepime]), and line removal. Some of these may be Candida infections.
Biliary tract infections: Typical bacterial agents include Enterobacteriaceae, gut-associated anaerobes, and Enterococcus. Consider carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam, cephalosporins, or quinolones in combination with an anaerobic agent such as metronidazole.
Intra-abdominal and pelvic infections: Typically Enterobacteriaceae, gut-associated anaerobes, or Enterococcus (carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam, or cephalosporins or quinolones in combination with an anaerobic agent such as metronidazole)
Urosepsis: Typically Enterobacteriaceae or Enterococcus (carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam, cephalosporins, quinolones, or aminoglycosides)
Pneumococcal sepsis: Third-generation cephalosporins, respiratory quinolone (levofloxacin or moxifloxacin), carbapenem, or vancomycin if resistance is suspected
Sepsis of unknown origin: Meropenem, imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, or tigecycline; metronidazole plus levofloxacin, cefepime, or ceftriaxone may be alternatives
Early surgical evaluation for presumed intra-abdominal or pelvic sepsis is essential. Procedures that may be warranted depend on the source of the infection, the severity of sepsis, and the patient’s clinical status, among other factors.
Once an etiologic pathogen is identified, typically via culture, narrowed antibiotic therapy against the identified pathogen is appropriate (eg, penicillin for penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae).
See Treatment and Medication for more detail.
Background
Hippocrates, in the fourth century BCE, used the term sepsis denoting decomposition. Avicenna, in the eleventh century, called diseases causing purulence as blood rot. In the nineteenth century, the term sepsis was widely used to describe severe systemic toxicity. A closely derived term of septicemia was used for bacterial infection in the blood, which has been replaced by the term bacteremia. In the last two centuries, the processes underlying infections have been better studied and elucidated. The role of microorganisms in causing infections and the intricate mechanisms of various intrinsic and extrinsic toxins in damaging body tissues that result in fever and shock has been discovered with painstaking research. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the term endotoxin was devised by Pfeiffer to explain the causative agent in infection with cholera. It was later linked to other gram-negative bacterial pathogenicity. [9]
The initial sepsis guidelines were published in 2004 and revised in 2008 and 2012. The current clinical practice guidelines are a revision of the 2012 Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock. (See Guidelines.)
Etiology
The etiology of sepsis is diverse, and clinical clues to various organ systems aid in appropriate workup and diagnosis. It is also pertinent to be able to distinguish between the infectious and noninfectious causes of fever in a septic patient. The following are organ system–specific etiologies of possible sepsis:
Skin/soft tissue: Necrotizing fasciitis, cellulitis, myonecrosis, or gas gangrene, among others, with erythema, edema, lymphangitis and positive skin biopsy result
Wound infection: Inflammation, edema, erythema, discharge of pus, with positive Gram stain and culture results from incision and drainage or deep cultures
Upper respiratory tract: Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or sinusitis, among others, with inflammation, exudate with or without swelling, and lymphadenopathy or positive throat swab culture or rapid test result
Lower respiratory tract: Pneumonia, empyema, or lung abscess, among others, with productive cough, pleuritic chest pain, consolidation on auscultation, positive sputum culture result, positive blood culture result, rapid viral testing, urinary antigen testing (eg, Pneumococcus, Legionella), quantitative culture of protected brush, or bronchoalveolar lavage
Central nervous system: Meningitis, brain abscess, or infected hematoma, among others, with signs of meningeal irritation, elevated CSF cell count and protein level, reduced CSF glucose level, positive Gram stain and culture results
Cerebrovascular system: Myocardial infarction, acute valvular dysfunction, myocarditis, pericardialis, ruptured aortic aneurysm, aortitis, or septic emboli, among others, with elevated levels of cardiac enzymes, and imaging (ultrasonography, CT scanning, or MRI) of the chest, abdomen, and/or pelvis showing vascular involvement
Vascular catheters (arterial, venous): Redness or drainage at insertion site, positive blood culture result (from the catheter and a peripheral site), and catheter tip culture after sterile removal
Gastrointestinal: Colitis, infectious diarrhea, ischemic bowel, or appendicitis, among others, with abdominal pain, distension, diarrhea, and vomiting; positive stool culture result and testing for toxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or Clostridium difficile
Intra-abdominal: Renal abscess, pyelonephritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, liver abscess, intra-abdominal abscesses, or perforation, compromise, or rupture of an intra-abdominal or pelvic structure, among others, with specific symptoms and signs; [4] aerobic and anaerobic culture of drained abdominal fluid collections; peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter infection with cloudy PD fluid, abdominal pain, deranged cell count, and positive PD fluid culture result
Urinary tract: Cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, or renal abscess, among others, with urgency, dysuria, pelvic, suprapubic, or back pain; urine microscopy showing pyuria or a positive urine culture result; urosepsis has also been reported after prostatic biopsy [10]
Female genital tract: Pelvic inflammatory disease, cervicitis, or salpingitis, among others, with lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, positive results on endocervical and high vaginal swabs
Male genital tract: Orchitis, epididymitis, acute prostatitis, balanitis, or prostatic abscess, among others, with dysuria, frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, cloudy urine, prostatic tenderness, and positive urine Gram stain and culture results
Bone: Osteomyelitis presenting with pain, warmth, swelling, decreased range of motion, positive blood and/or bone culture results, and MRI changes
Joint: Septic arthritis presenting with pain, warmth, swelling, decreased range of motion, positive arthrocentesis with cell counts, and positive Gram stain and culture results
Nonspecific systemic febrile syndromes: Babesiosis, rickettsial diseases, lyme disease, typhus, or typhoid fever, among others, with multiorgan involvement, specific travel and epidemiological exposures, and associated rashes or other symptoms
There are numerous noninfectious causes of fever and organ dysfunction that can mimic sepsis: [11]
Alcohol/drug withdrawal
Postoperative fever (48 hours postoperatively)
Transfusion reaction
Drug fever
Allergic reaction
Cerebral infarction/hemorrhage
Adrenal insufficiency/adrenal hemorrhage
Myocardial infarction
Pancreatitis
Acalculous cholecystitis
Ischemic bowel
Aspiration pneumonitis
ARDS (both acute and late fibroproliferative phase)
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Fat emboli
Transplant rejection
Deep venous thrombosis
Pulmonary emboli
Gout/pseudogout
Hematoma
Cirrhosis (without primary peritonitis)
Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
Phlebitis/thrombophlebitis
IV contrast reaction
Neoplastic fevers
Decubitus ulcers
Table 1. Infectious and Noninfectious Causes of Fever [12] (Open Table in a new window)
System
Infectious Causes
Noninfectious Causes
Central nervous
Meningitis, encephalitis
Posterior fossa syndrome, central fever, seizures, cerebral infraction, hemorrhage, cerebrovascular accident
Cardiovascular
Central line, infected pacemaker, endocarditis, sternal osteomyelitis, viral pericarditis, myocardial/perivalvular abscess
Myocardial infarction, balloon pump syndrome, Dressler syndrome
Pulmonary
Ventilator-associated pneumonia, mediastinitis, tracheobronchitis, empyema
Pulmonary emboli, ARDS, atelectasis (without pneumonia), cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, bronchogenic carcinoma without postobstructive pneumonia, systemic lupus erythematosus, pneumonitis, vasculitis
Gastrointestinal
Intra-abdominal abscess, cholangitis, cholecystitis, viral hepatitis, peritonitis, diarrhea (Clostridium difficile)
Pancreatitis, acalculous cholecystitis, ischemia of the bowel/colon, bleeding, cirrhosis, irritable bowel syndrome
Urinary tract
Catheter-associated bacteremia, urosepsis, pyelonephritis, cystitis
Allergic interstitial nephritis
Skin/soft tissue
Decubitus ulcers, cellulitis, wound infection
Vascular ulcers
Bone/joint
Chronic osteomyelitis, septic arthritis
Acute gout
Other
Transient bacteremia, sinusitis
Adrenal insufficiency, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis, neoplastic fever, alcohol/drug withdrawal, delirium tremens, drug fever, fat emboli, deep venous thrombosis, postoperative fever (48 h), fever after transfusion
An abdominal wall abscess is depicted on the CT scan below.
A right lower quadrant abdominal wall abscess and
A right lower quadrant abdominal wall abscess and enteric fistula are observed and confirmed by the presence of enteral contrast in the abdominal wall.
Organisms can be introduced via various mechanisms, including direct inoculation of microbes into the body or body site, such as in skin or soft tissue infections or bloodstream infections associated with indwelling venous catheters. Inhalational acquisition is a mode of infection in the setting of respiratory infection, as is aspiration of oral/gastric content. Ascending urinary tract infection can also cause systemic infection. The gastrointestinal tract can also be a source of infection if contents macroscopically rupture or seed the intra-abdominal compartment or if organisms translocate through the mucosal barrier. Other mucosal surfaces can also serve as entry points, including the conjunctiva, the upper respiratory tract, and the genitourinary tract. External disease-transmitting vectors, such as arthropods, can also cause infection. [4, 13]
The pathophysiology of sepsis is complex and results from the effects of circulating bacterial products, mediated by cytokine release, caused by sustained bacteremia. Cytokines are responsible for the clinically observable effects of bacteremia in the host. [13, 14, 15, 16] Impaired pulmonary, hepatic, or renal function may result from excessive cytokine release during the septic process.
Prognosis
Sepsis is a common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The prognosis depends on underlying health status and host defenses, prompt and adequate surgical drainage of abscesses, relief of any obstruction of the intestinal or urinary tract, and appropriate and early empiric antimicrobial therapy. [17]
The prognosis of sepsis treated in a timely manner and with appropriate therapy is usually good, except in those with intra-abdominal or pelvic abscesses due to organ perforation. When timely and appropriate therapy has been delivered, the underlying physiologic condition of the patient determines outcome.
A systematic review by Winters et al suggested that beyond the standard 28-day in-hospital mortality endpoint, ongoing mortality in patients with sepsis remains elevated up to 2 years and beyond. [18] In addition, survivors consistently demonstrate impaired quality of life. [19]
Clinical characteristics that affect the severity of sepsis and, therefore, the outcome include the host's response to infection, the site and type of infection, and the timing and type of antimicrobial therapy.
Host-related
Abnormal host immune responses may increase susceptibility to severe disease and mortality. For example, extremes of temperature and the presence of leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia, advanced age, presence of co-morbid conditions, hyperglycemia, bleeding diatheses, and failure of procalcitonin levels to fall have all been associated with worsened outcome. [20]
Important risk factors for mortality include the patient's comorbidities, functional health status, newly onset atrial fibrillation, hypercoagulability state, hyperglycemia on admission, AIDS, liver disease, cancer, alcohol dependence, and immune suppression.
Age older than 40 years is associated with comorbid illnesses, impaired immunologic responses, malnutrition, increased exposure to potentially resistant pathogens in nursing homes, and increased use of medical devices, such as indwelling catheters and central venous lines. [21, 22, 23, 24]
Infection site
Sepsis due to urinary tract infection has the lowest mortality rate, while mortality rates are higher with unknown sources of infection, gastrointestinal sources (highest in ischemic bowel), and pulmonary sources. [25, 26, 27]
Infection type
Sepsis due to nosocomial pathogens has a higher mortality rate than sepsis due to community-acquired pathogens. Increased mortality is associated with bloodstream infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, fungi, and Pseudomonas, as well as polymicrobial infections. When bloodstream infections become severe (ie, septic shock), the outcome may be similar regardless of whether the pathogenic bacteria are gram-negative or gram-positive.
Antimicrobial therapy
Studies have shown that the early administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy (ie, antibiotics to which the pathogen is sensitive) is beneficial in septic patients demonstrating bacteremia. Previous antibiotic therapy (ie, antibiotics within the prior 90 days) may be associated with increased mortality risk, at least among patients with gram-negative sepsis. Patients who have received prior antibiotic therapy are more likely to have higher rates of antibiotic resistance, reducing the likelihood that appropriate antibiotic therapy will be chosen empirically. [28, 29, 30, 31]
Restoration of perfusion
Failure to attempt aggressive restoration of perfusion early may also be associated with an increased mortality risk. A severely elevated lactate level (>4 mmol/L) is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with sepsis.
Epidemiology
Incidence
The incidence of sepsis and the number of sepsis-related deaths are increasing because of an increased use of immunosuppressive medications. The incidence varies by race and sex. The highest incidence is among black males. The incidence also shows seasonal variation, with the highest number of cases in winter, probably because of the increased prevalence of respiratory infections during this season. Older patients (≥65 years) account for most (60%-85%) sepsis cases, attributable to multiple comorbidities and frequent hospitalizations. [17]
Pathogens
The predominant infectious organisms that cause sepsis have changed over the years. Gram-positive bacteria are the most common etiologic pathogens, although the incidence of gram-negative sepsis remains substantial. The incidence of fungal sepsis has been rising with more patients on immunosuppressive therapies and more cases of HIV infection. In approximately half of sepsis cases, the organism is not identified (culture-negative sepsis).
ICU admission with subsequent nosocomial infection
Bacteremia
Advanced age (≥65 years)
Immunosuppression - Conditions that impair host defenses such as seen with neoplasms, renal failure, hepatic failure, AIDS, asplenism, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, organ transplant, alcoholism, and the use of immunosuppressant medications and immunomodulators
Community-acquired pneumonia
Previous hospitalization and antibiotic therapy in the preceding 90 days
Genetic factors - Defects of cellular and humoral immunity (low or absent antibody production, T cells, phagocytes, natural killer cells, complement)
Urosepsis due to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in older males or complicated UTI
Major trauma and burn injuries
Bacterial Sepsis Clinical Presentation: History and Physical Examination
Share
Feedback
History and Physical Examination
Nonspecific signs and symptoms
The history and physical examination findings are nonspecific but may suggest the likely source of the septic process and thereby help determine the appropriate antimicrobial therapy and other interventions. General signs and symptoms of sepsis may include the following:
Fever, with or without shaking chills (temperature >38.3ºC or < 36ºC)
Impaired mental status (in the setting of fever or hypoperfusion)
Increased breathing rate (>20 breaths/min) resulting in respiratory alkalosis
Warm or cold skin, depending on the adequacy of organ perfusion and dilation of the superficial skin vessels
Hypotension requiring pressor agents to maintain systolic blood pressure above 65 mm Hg
Systemic signs and symptoms
The clinical features depicted below may provide important diagnostic clues.
Respiratory infection
Cough, chest pain, and dyspnea may suggest pneumonia or empyema but may also be observed in patients with pulmonary embolism or pleural effusion.
Gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) infection
The patient may have a history of antecedent conditions predisposing to perforation or abscess. In many cases, the history is critical for diagnosis. Abdominal findings on physical examination may be absent or unimpressive.
Patients with an intra-abdominal or pelvic source of infection usually have a history of antecedent conditions that predispose to perforation or abscess (eg, chronic or retrocecal subacute appendicitis, diverticulitis, Crohn disease, previous abdominal surgery, or cholecystitis).
Diffuse abdominal pain may suggest pancreatitis or generalized peritonitis, whereas right upper abdominal quadrant (RUQ) tenderness may suggest a biliary tract etiology (eg, cholecystitis, cholangitis), and tenderness in the right lower abdominal quadrant (RLQ) suggests appendicitis or Crohn disease. Discrete tenderness over the left lower abdominal quadrant suggests diverticulitis, particularly in elderly patients.
A rectal examination may reveal exquisite tenderness caused by a prostatic abscess or, more commonly, an enlarged noninflamed prostate suggestive of prostatitis.
A urinary tract source is suggested by an antecedent history of pyelonephritis, stone disease, congenital abnormal collecting system, prostatic hypertrophy, or previous operations or procedures involving the prostate or kidneys. [32, 33] Costovertebral angle tenderness with a fever suggests acute pyelonephritis. Subacute or chronic pyelonephritis may manifest as only mild tenderness.
Intravenous line infection
Evidence of infection at a central IV line site suggests the probable etiology. [34] However, it is important to note that many patients with central IV line infections do not have superficial evidence of infection at the insertion site. Always suspect IV line infections, especially when other sources of sepsis are eliminated. [35, 36] Central IV lines are the lines most commonly associated with bacteremia or sepsis.
Peripheral venous lines and arterial lines are rarely associated with bacteremia. Thrombophlebitis may be noted at the peripheral IV line site.
Surgical wound infection
Pain, purulent exudate, or crepitus in a surgical wound may suggest wound infection, cellulitis, or abscess.
Signs of end-organ hypoperfusion
These signs include the following:
Warm, flushed skin may be present in the early phases of sepsis. The skin may become cool and clammy with progression to shock due to redirection of blood flow to core organs. Decreased capillary refill, purpura cyanosis, or mottling may be seen.
Altered mental status, obtundation, restlessness
Oliguria or anuria due to hypoperfusion
Ileus or absent bowel sounds
Special considerations
Elderly patients may present with peritonitis and may not experience rebound tenderness of the abdomen. [37]
Elderly individuals, persons with diabetes, and patients on beta-blockers may not exhibit an appropriate tachycardia as blood pressure falls.
Younger patients develop a severe and prolonged tachycardia without hypotension until acute decompensation occurs.
Patients with chronic hypertension may develop critical hypoperfusion at a blood pressure that is higher than in healthy patients (ie, relative hypotension).
An acute surgical abdomen in a pregnant patient may be difficult to diagnose. [38] The most common cause of sepsis in pregnancy is urosepsis. [38]
Bacterial Sepsis Differential Diagnoses
Share
Feedback
Diagnostic Considerations
Sepsis is often associated with or preceded by other conditions (see Table 2 below). [39, 40, 41] Noninfectious conditions that present in a manner similar to that of sepsis must also be considered, as should the host's immunocompetence. Early diagnosis with rapid initiation of appropriate therapy is the cornerstone of reducing mortality and morbidity associated with sepsis. Diagnostic studies should be sent within the first 3 hours of suspected sepsis, and antibiotics should be initiated within the first 45 minutes after appropriate cultures are collected. If the blood pressure remains less than 65 mm Hg despite initial fluid resuscitation of 30 mL/kg or if the initial lactate level is 4 mmol/L (36 mg/dl) or higher within 6 hours, further hemodynamic assessments should be performed to ensure adequate organ perfusion. It is essential to reach a preliminary diagnosis within the first 12 hours of presentation to decrease the likelihood of adverse clinical outcomes.
Table 2. Clinical Conditions Associated With Sepsis (Open Table in a new window)
System
Associated With Sepsis
Not Typically Associated With Sepsis
GI tract
Liver
Gallbladder
Colon
Abscess
Intestinal obstruction
Instrumentation
Esophagitis
Gastritis
Pancreatitis (may have multiorgan dysfunction but not infectious in origin)
Small bowel disorders
GI bleeding
GU tract
Pyelonephritis
Intra- or perinephric abscess
Renal calculi
Urinary tract obstruction
Acute prostatitis/abscess
Renal insufficiency
Instrumentation in patients with bacteriuria
Urethritis
Cystitis
Cervicitis
Vaginitis
Catheter-associated bacteriuria (in otherwise healthy hosts without genitourinary tract disease)
Pelvis
Peritonitis
Abscess
Upper respiratory tract
Deep neck space infection
Abscess
Pharyngitis
Sinusitis
Bronchitis
Otitis
Lower respiratory tract
Community-acquired pneumonia (with asplenia)
Empyema
Lung abscess
Community-acquired pneumonia (in otherwise healthy host)
Intravascular
IV line sepsis
Infected prosthetic device
Acute bacterial endocarditis
Cardiovascular
Acute bacterial endocarditis
Myocardial/perivalvular ring abscess
Subacute bacterial endocarditis
CNS
Bacterial meningitis
Aseptic meningitis
Skin/soft-tissue
Necrotizing fasciitis
Osteomyelitis
Uncomplicated wound infections
CNS = central nervous system; GI = gastrointestinal; GU = genitourinary; IV = intravenous. Adapted from: Cunha BA, Shea KW. Fever in the intensive care unit. Infect Dis Clin North Am. Mar 1996;10(1):185-209. [39]
Pseudosepsis
A common medicolegal error is failure to consider pseudosepsis as a cause of the presenting syndrome. Most causes of pseudosepsis are readily treatable if recognized and managed early.
Thus, before embarking on a workup for sepsis or beginning empiric antibiotic therapy, it is vital to rule out the treatable causes of pseudosepsis early in the disease process. Consider other causes or conditions that mimic the clinical and hemodynamic parameters of sepsis and differentiate between the distributive presentation versus septic shock (see Table 3 below). The causes of pseudosepsis must be identified because they require supportive, rather than antimicrobial, therapy.
Table 3. Noninfectious Conditions Mimicking Clinical and Hemodynamic Parameters of Sepsis (Open Table in a new window)
Clinical Presentations Mimicking Sepsis
Hemodynamic Parameters Mimicking Sepsis
Myocardial infarction
Spinal cord injury
Pancreatitis
Adrenal insufficiency
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Acute pancreatitis
Systemic lupus erythematosus flare with abdominal crisis
Hemorrhage
Ventricular pseudoaneurysm
Pulmonary embolism
Massive aspiration/atelectasis
Anaphylaxis
Systemic vasculitis
Hypovolemia (eg, due to diuretics, dehydration)
Pseudosepsis is a common cause of misdiagnosis in hospitalized patients, particularly in the emergency department (ED) and ICU. The most common causes of pseudosepsis include gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction (MI), acute pancreatitis (edematous or hemorrhagic), diuretic-induced hypovolemia, and relative adrenal insufficiency.
Patients with pseudosepsis may have fever, chills, leukocytosis, and a left shift, with or without hypotension. Many causes of pseudosepsis produce pulmonary artery catheter readings that are compatible with sepsis (ie, increased cardiac output and decreased peripheral resistance), which could misdirect the unwary clinician (see Table 4 below).
Table 4. Characteristics of Pseudosepsis and Sepsis (Open Table in a new window)
Parameters
Pseudosepsis
Sepsis
Microbiologic
No definite source PLUS ≥1 abnormalities
Negative blood cultures excluding contaminants
Proper identification/process/source PLUS ≥1 microbiologic abnormalities
Positive buffy coat smear result OR several positive blood culture results with a pathogenic organism
Hemodynamic
⇓ PVR
⇑ CO
⇓ PVR
⇑ CO
Left ventricular dilatation
Laboratory
⇑ WBC count (with left shift)
Normal platelet count
⇑ FSP
⇑ Lactate
⇑ D-dimers
⇑ PT/PTT
⇓ Albumin
⇓ Fibrinogen
⇓ Globulins
⇑ WBC count (with left shift)
⇓ Platelets
⇑ FSP
⇑ Lactate
⇑ D-dimers
⇑ PT/PTT
⇓ Albumin
Clinical
≤102°F ±
Tachycardia ±
Respiratory alkalosis ±
Hypotension
≥102°F OR
Hypothermia ±
Mental status changes ±
Hypotension
CO = cardiac output; FSP = fibrin split products; GI = gastrointestinal; GU = genitourinary; PT/PTT = prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time; PVR = peripheral vascular resistance; WBC = white blood cell.
Host immunocompetence
Otherwise healthy hosts with community-acquired pneumonia virtually never present with hypotension or sepsis; however, patients with decreased or absent splenic function may present with overwhelming pneumococcal sepsis. If an otherwise healthy patient with community-acquired pneumonia presents with shock and all of the other causes of pseudosepsis are ruled out, then it must be assumed that the patient is a compromised host with impaired or absent splenic function.
Bacterial Sepsis Workup: Approach Considerations, Laboratory Studies, Chest Radiology and Chest CT Scan
Approach Considerations
Multiple clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and microbiologic data are required for the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock. Sepsis should never be diagnosed based on a single abnormality. However, the diagnosis is often made empirically at the bedside upon presentation or retrospectively when follow-up data return (eg, positive blood culture result) or a response to antibiotics is evident. Importantly, the identification of a pathogenic organism, although preferred, is not always feasible since the responsible organism may be unidentified in many patients.
In general, the workup for sepsis may include the following:
Blood culture and urine analysis and culture
Chemistry studies that can suggest organ dysfunction, such as liver or kidney function tests
Chest radiology
Diagnostic imaging of the chest and abdomen/pelvis
Cardiac studies such as ECG and troponins, as indicated
Interventions such as paracentesis, thoracentesis, lumbar puncture, or aspiration of an abscess, as clinically indicated
Measurement of biomarkers of sepsis such as procalcitonin levels
Laboratory Studies
Complete blood cell count
A complete blood cell (CBC) count is usually not specific. Leukocytosis with a left shift is also a nonspecific diagnostic finding and can be seen in noninfectious conditions. Leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia may be observed in sepsis.
Complete metabolic profile
A complete metabolic profile identifies changes in organ function, especially the liver and kidneys.
Bacterial cultures
Obtain blood cultures in all patients upon admission. Negative blood culture results are also necessary to include pseudosepsis in the differential diagnosis. [42] Blood culture isolates might suggest the underlying disease process. Bacteroides fragilis suggests a colonic or pelvic source, whereas Klebsiella species or enterococci suggest a gallbladder or urinary tract source.
If central intravenous (IV) line sepsis is suspected, remove the line and send the tip for semiquantitative bacterial culture. If culture of the catheter tip yields positive results and demonstrates 15 or more colonies and if the isolate from the tip matches the isolate from the blood culture, an infection associated with the central IV line is diagnosed.
ICU patients are at a greater risk of colonization by MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). It is critical to deescalate or change the empiric antibiotic regimen once the organism susceptibilities are available.
Gram staining
Buffy coat analysis of CBC may be useful in identifying certain infectious agents, although the yield is low. [43]
Urinalysis with reflex to culture
If urosepsis is suspected, obtain a urine Gram stain, urinalysis, and urine culture. A systematic review found that in adult ICU patients, catheter-associated urinary tract infection was associated with significantly higher mortality and a longer stay. [44]
Microbiology
Organism identification via culture in a patient who fulfills the definition of sepsis is highly supportive of a sepsis diagnosis but is unnecessary. The rationale behind its lack of inclusion in the diagnostic criteria for sepsis is that a culprit organism goes unidentified in up to half of patients who present with sepsis, and a positive culture result is not required to make a decision regarding treatment with empiric antibiotics.
Unique laboratory findings
Laboratory and clinical features that may suggest an underlying etiology of sepsis are as follows:
Leukocytosis (WBC count >12,000/µL) or leukopenia (WBC count < 4000/µL)
Normal WBC count with greater than 10% immature forms (left shift with bandemia)
Hyperglycemia (plasma glucose level >140 mg/dL or 7.7 mmol/L) in the absence of diabetes [23]
Plasma C-reactive protein level of more than two standard deviations above the reference value
Arterial hypoxemia (PaO 2/FiO 2 ratio < 300 mm Hg)
Acute oliguria (urine output < 0.5 mL/kg/hour for at least 2 hours despite adequate fluid resuscitation)
Creatinine increase >0.5 mg/dL or 44.2 mmol/L
Coagulation abnormalities (INR >1.5 or PTT >60 seconds)
Thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100,000/µL) [22]
Hyperbilirubinemia (plasma total bilirubin >4 mg/dL or 70 mmol/L)
Adrenal insufficiency (eg, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia) and euthyroid sick syndrome can also be found in sepsis.
Hyperlactatemia (serum lactate >2 mmol/L) can result from organ hypoperfusion in the presence or absence of hypotension and indicates a poor prognosis. A serum lactate level of 4 mmol/L or more (especially arterial lactate) indicates septic shock.
Plasma procalcitonin and presepsin elevation is associated with bacterial infection and sepsis. [5, 6, 7, 8]
Procalcitonin levels
Procalcitonin (PCT) is an acute-phase reactant that is elevated in severe bacterial infections. In most clinical assays, the reference range of PCT is below detectable. Measurement of PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP) at onset and on the fourth day of treatment can predict survival of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. A decrease in either one of these marker values predicts survival. [7]
A study from van Nieuwkoop et al examined the use of PCT levels in predicting bacteremia in a group of 581 patients, 136 of whom had bacteremia; PCT levels successfully identified 94-99% of the patients with bacteremia. [5]
Heyland et al, in a systematic review of the economic value of PCT-guided reduction in antibiotic use in intensive care, found that with hospital mortality and length of stay unchanged, PCT testing to reduce antibiotic treatment broke even when daily antibiotics cost about $150 in Canadian dollars. [6]
Abdominal Ultrasonography, CT Scanning, and MRI
Perform abdominal ultrasonography if biliary tract obstruction is suspected based on the clinical presentation. However, abdominal ultrasonography is suboptimal for the detection of abscesses or perforated hollow organs. Ultrasonograms in patients with cholecystitis may show a thickened gallbladder wall or biliary calculi but no dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD). Stones in the biliary tract may or may not be visible in patients with cholangitis, but the CBD is typically dilated. [45]
Use computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen if a nonbiliary intra-abdominal source of infection is suspected on the basis of the history or physical examination findings. Abdominal CT or MRI is also helpful in delineating intrarenal and extrarenal pathology. Gallium or indium scanning has no place in the initial workup of sepsis; patients with sepsis are acutely ill by definition, and rapid diagnostic tests (eg, CT or MRI of the abdomen and ultrasonography of the right upper quadrant) are time-critical, life-saving tools. However, MRI is more time consuming than CT scanning, and the latter is preferred in emergent situations. [45]
Cardiac Studies
If acute MI is likely, perform electrocardiography (ECG) and obtain cardiac enzyme levels. Remember that certain patients may present with a silent, asymptomatic MI, which should be included in the differential diagnosis of otherwise unexplained fever, leukocytosis, and hypotension. Silent MIs are common in elderly patients and in those who have recent undergone abdominal or pelvic surgical procedures. They are also common in individuals with alcoholism, diabetes, and uremic conditions.
The following cardiac studies may be useful if cardiac involvement or disease is suspected as a cause or complication of infection:
Electrocardiography (ECG) to evaluate for conduction abnormalities or delays or arrhythmias
Cardiac enzyme levels
Echocardiography to evaluate for structural heart disease
Invasive Interventions
Invasive diagnostic procedures that may be considered are discussed below.
Thoracentesis/paracentesis
Perform thoracentesis for diagnostic purposes in patients with substantial pleural effusion. Perform paracentesis in patients with gross ascites.
Surgical incision and drainage
Drainage of fluid collections/abscesses is crucial in establishing good source control and in facilitating a good clinical response to subsequent antibiotic therapy.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy with washing, lavage, or other invasive sampling is performed in patients with suspected pneumonia and in patients with suspected invasive fungal infections of the lung.
Swan-Ganz catheterization
In highly selected cases, a Swan-Ganz catheter may be useful in managing the fluid status of the patient and in assessing left ventricular dysfunction. However, routine use is not recommended.
Imaging Studies
Site-specific soft tissue imaging includes ultrasonography, CT scanning, or MRI to assess for possible abscess, fluid collection, or necrotizing skin infection. These are essential for diagnostic purposes and for monitoring the response to therapy.
Contrast-enhanced CT scanning or MRI of the brain/neck is performed to assess for possible masses, abscess, fluid collection, or necrotizing infection.
Bacterial Sepsis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Surgical Intervention, Consultations
Share
Feedback
Approach Considerations
Early aggressive medical therapy is indicated in patients with suspected sepsis. [46, 29, 47, 28, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53]
Sepsis Treatment
Patients with sepsis are generally ill and require inpatient hospitalization or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring and treatment. Admission to an ICU depends on the severity of the septic process and the degree of organ dysfunction.
Determine the likely source of the infection, and administer intravenous (IV) empiric antimicrobial agents until culture results become available, at which point more narrow-spectrum agents can be used (see below). In addition, offer supportive therapy aimed at maintaining organ perfusion, and provide respiratory support when necessary. [48, 54, 55]
A recent prospective study of 5787 adult patients with severe sepsis revealed the importance of goal-directed treatment. Patients triaged and managed according to 4 clinical goals (blood cultures before antibiotics, lactate before 90 minutes, IV antibiotics before 180 minutes, and 30 mL/kg of IV fluids before 180 minutes) were significantly less likely to die in the hospital than were those for whom all 4 of these goals were not met (22.6% vs 26.5%, respectively). [56]
In a multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), vasopressor initiation, central venous catheter insertion, and monitoring of central venous pressure and central venous oxygen saturation, complete compliance with the clinical goals was associated with a survival odds ratio of 1.194 (1.04-1.37). [56]
Surgical Intervention
Early evaluation in patients with presumed intra-abdominal or pelvic sepsis is essential, and surgical consultation should be obtained in appropriate patients.
Consultations
Obtain a consultation with a surgeon for patients with presumed intra-abdominal or pelvic sepsis. Obtain a consultation with an infectious disease specialist, as indicated, in patients with presumed or proven sepsis. [28]
Antimicrobial Therapy
Appropriate antimicrobial therapy depends on adequate coverage of the bacteria associated with the specific organ or organ system associated with the infection. [46, 29, 47, 28, 30] Agents suitable for empiric monotherapy regimens (depending on the source and underlying microbiology of the sepsis because the agent must be able to cover all of the likely pathogens) may include the following:
Imipenem
Meropenem
Tigecycline
Piperacillin-tazobactam
Ampicillin-sulbactam
Moxifloxacin
Combination therapeutic regimens include metronidazole plus either levofloxacin, aztreonam, a third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin, or an aminoglycoside.
Many advocate also using antistaphylococcal coverage (eg, vancomycin) empirically.
Although no drug regimen may be superior to another, time to first dose administration is very important. Mortality data suggest that early administration of appropriate antibiotics is correlated with better survival. Alternative agents may be used alone or in combination, with a good adverse-effect profile. [46, 29, 47, 28]
Antibiotics are normally continued until the septic process and surgical interventions have controlled the source of infection. Ordinarily, patients are treated for approximately 2 weeks, although duration may vary according to the source, site, and severity of the infection. As soon as patients are able to tolerate medications orally, they may be switched to an equivalent oral antibiotic regimen in an IV-to-oral conversion program.
Empiric therapy for IV line infections
A detailed discussion of catheter-associated infections is available in the IDSA catheter-associated line-related infections (CRBSI) guidelines. [57] IV line infections are most often due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-sensitive S aureus [MSSA] or methicillin-resistant S aureus [MRSA]) ,but gram-negative bacilli can be involved. The preferred empiric therapy for these infections is meropenem or cefepime (for Pseudomonas) plus additional coverage for staphylococci. [35, 36] If MRSA is prevalent in the institution, add linezolid, vancomycin, or daptomycin. Otherwise, nafcillin, oxacillin, or cefazolin provides adequate coverage for MSSA.
Unless coagulase-negative, methicillin-sensitive staphylococci are recovered from the blood, with high-level bacteremia (3 or 4 positive blood cultures out of 4), avoid vancomycin for empiric therapy if possible; these are low-virulence organisms and may represent contaminants. If treatment is advised, the duration of therapy depends on the severity and site of infection. [57]
Treatment of staphylococcal central line infection and fungal or gram-negative organisms typically requires removal of the line.
Minimize the use of vancomycin in order to prevent the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). [35]
Empiric therapy for biliary tract infections
IDSA guidelines for complicated intra-abdominal infections such as biliary tract infections are available. [58] The main biliary tract pathogens include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Enterococcus faecalis. Coverage for staphylococci is not needed in the biliary tract. Anaerobes can also be important, especially in patients with diabetes or immunosuppression.
Preferred monotherapy regimens for biliary tract infections include imipenem, meropenem, ampicillin-sulbactam, or piperacillin-tazobactam. Cephalosporins or quinolones in combination with metronidazole are alternate first-line agents for the treatment of biliary tract infections.
Empiric therapy for intra-abdominal and pelvic infections
The main pathogens in the lower abdomen and pelvis include aerobic coliform gram-negative bacilli and B fragilis. Enterococci do not require special coverage unless the patient has recurrent infection or enterococci have been specifically and repeatedly isolated. Potent anti–B fragilis and aerobic gram-negative bacillary coverage are essential, in addition to surgical intervention when drainage or repair of intra-abdominal viscera is required.
Preferred monotherapy regimens for intra-abdominal and pelvic infections include imipenem, meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, ampicillin-sulbactam, or tigecycline. Alternate combination therapy for intra-abdominal and pelvic infections consists of clindamycin or metronidazole plus a third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin, aztreonam, levofloxacin, or an aminoglycoside. Some authors raise concerns about the use of tigecycline.
Empiric therapy for urosepsis
The primary uropathogens include gram-negative aerobic bacilli, such as coliforms or enterococci. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter species, and Serratia species are rare uropathogens and are associated with urologic instrumentation.
Monotherapy for urosepsis due to aerobic gram-negative bacilli may include aztreonam, levofloxacin, a third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin, or an aminoglycoside. However, preferred monotherapy for enterococcal urosepsis involves ampicillin or vancomycin. For VRE urosepsis, linezolid or daptomycin may be used.
Empiric therapy for community-acquired urosepsis consists of levofloxacin, aztreonam, or an aminoglycoside plus ampicillin. For nosocomial urosepsis, a fourth-generation cephalosporin, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, or meropenem, with or without an aminoglycoside, is preferred.
Empiric therapy for staphylococcal, pneumococcal, and meningococcal sepsis
S aureus sepsis is usually associated with infection caused by devices or bacterial endocarditis. Empiric therapy may be with an anti-staphylococcal penicillin (nafcillin or oxacillin), vancomycin, a cephalosporin, daptomycin, or linezolid, depending on the concern for MRSA.
Pneumococcal or meningococcal sepsis may be treated with penicillin G or a beta-lactam. In patients with associated meningococcal meningitis, the antibiotic selected should penetrate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and should be given in meningeal doses. Consider the regional prevalence of drug-resistant pneumococci when selecting an antibiotic.
Empiric therapy for sepsis of unknown origin
The usual sources of sepsis are the distal gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the pelvis, and the genitourinary (GU) tract. Organisms that should be covered from these areas include aerobic gram-negative bacilli (coliforms) and B fragilis. Enterococci are important pathogens in biliary tract sepsis and urosepsis.
Preferred empiric monotherapy includes meropenem, imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, or tigecycline.
Empiric combination therapy includes metronidazole plus levofloxacin, aztreonam, or a third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin.
Outpatient management
If orally administered antibiotics are continued at home, advise the patient about possible adverse effects. If additional antimicrobial therapy is needed outside the hospital setting, it should be given orally, not intravenously. Do not allow the total course of antibiotics to exceed 3 weeks, except for specific clinical scenarios, which may require prolonged courses of oral antibiotics for cure or complete clinical resolution.
Bacterial Sepsis Guidelines: Guidelines Summary
Share
Feedback
Guidelines Summary
The initial sepsis guidelines were published in 2004 and then revised in 2008 and 2012. The current clinical practice guidelines are a revision of the 2012 Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock.
Major New Recommendations in the 2012 Update
Emphasis was directed to (1) first-hour fluid resuscitation and inotrope therapy directed to goals of threshold heart rates, normal blood pressure, and capillary refill of 2 seconds or less with specific evaluation after each bolus for signs of fluid overload, as well as first-hour antibiotic administration and (2) subsequent ICU hemodynamic support directed to goals of ScVO2 greater than 70% and cardiac index (CI) 3.3-6 L/min/m2 with appropriate antibiotic coverage and source control. [59]
Another major new recommendation in the 2012 update was that hemodynamic support of septic shock should be addressed at the institutional level rather than only at the practitioner level, with well-planned coordination between the family, community, prehospital, emergency department, hospital, and ICU settings. The 2012 guidelines recommend that each institution implement their own adopted or home-grown bundles that include the following:
Recognition bundle containing a trigger tool for rapid identification of patients with suspected septic shock at that institution
Resuscitation and stabilization bundle to drive adherence to consensus best practice at that institution
Performance bundle to monitor, improve, and sustain adherence to that best practice
The 2016 Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines
The 2016 guidelines [60, 61] give a detailed overview of initial resuscitation, screening, and diagnosis of sepsis. The management decisions concerning antibiotic therapy, fluid administration, source control, administration of pressors and steroids, blood products, anticoagulants, immunoglobulins, mechanical ventilation, sedation, analgesia, glucose control, blood purification, renal replacement therapy, bicarbonate, venous thromboembolism and stress ulcer prophylaxis, nutrition, and setting goals of care are addressed. The main differences between the 2012 and 2016 guidelines are discussed in detail in the cited reference. [62]
Unfortunately, a consensus could not be reached between some of the sponsoring organizations. A position paper issued by the IDSA does not endorse the Society of Critical Care Medicine/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (SCCM/ESICM) 2016 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for the management of sepsis and septic shock, despite the IDSA's participation in the development of the guidelines. In particular, while the IDSA agrees that the SCCM/ESICM recommendations are life-saving for patients with septic shock, they may lead to overtreatment in those with milder variants of sepsis and sepsis syndromes. The IDSA does not endorse routine initiation of antibiotic therapy within one hour of suspecting sepsis nor administration of combination antibiotic therapy and a 7- to 10-day course of antibiotic therapy for all patients, regardless of presentation factors. The IDSA also notes unclear recommendations for removal of catheters when considered as the source of sepsis and for the role of procalcitonin when monitoring therapeutic response. [63]
As more research related to timing of therapy is completed, further guideline refinement is expected, and perhaps a consensus regarding the treatment approach can be achieved.
Bacterial Sepsis Medication: Antibiotics, Other
Share
Feedback
Antibiotics, Other
Class Summary
Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.
Imipenem-cilastatin is a carbapenem with activity against most gram-positive organisms (except MRSA), gram-negative organisms, and anaerobes. It is used for treatment of multiple-organism infections in which other agents do not have wide-spectrum coverage or are contraindicated owing to their potential for toxicity.
Meropenem is a carbapenem with slightly increased activity against gram-negative organisms and slightly decreased activity against staphylococci and streptococci compared with imipenem. It is less likely to cause seizures and has superior penetration of the blood-brain barrier compared with imipenem.
Piperacillin-tazobactam inhibits the biosynthesis of cell wall mucopeptide and is effective during the stage of active multiplication. It has antipseudomonal activity.
Ampicillin and sulbactam is a drug combination of a beta-lactamase inhibitor with ampicillin. It interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis during active replication, causing bactericidal activity against susceptible organisms. It is an alternative to amoxicillin if the patient is unable to take medications orally. It covers skin, enteric flora, and anaerobes and is not ideal for nosocomial pathogens.
Clindamycin is primarily used for its activity against anaerobes. It has some activity against Streptococcus species and methicillin-sensitive S aureus (MSSA).
Metronidazole is an imidazole ring-based antibiotic active against various anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. It is usually combined with other antimicrobial agents, except when used for Clostridium difficile enterocolitis, in which monotherapy is appropriate.
Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin. It has gram-negative coverage comparable to ceftazidime but has better gram-positive coverage (comparable to ceftriaxone). Cefepime is active against Pseudomonas species. It has increased effectiveness against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)–producing organisms. Its poor capacity to cross blood-brain barrier precludes its use for treatment of meningitis.
Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone with excellent gram-positive and gram-negative coverage. It is an excellent agent for pneumonia and has excellent abdominal coverage as well. High urine concentration necessitates reduced dosing in urinary tract infection.
Vancomycin provides gram-positive coverage and good hospital-acquired MRSA coverage. It is now used more frequently because of the high incidence of MRSA. Vancomycin should be given to all septic patients with indwelling catheters or devices. It is advisable for skin and soft-tissue infections.
The broad spectrum and action of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) against organisms found in patients with cystic fibrosis and the convenience of oral administration make this combination useful for treatment of milder infections in an outpatient setting.
Aztreonam is a monobactam, not a beta-lactam, antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis during bacterial growth. It is active against gram-negative bacilli but has very limited gram-positive activity and is not useful for anaerobes. Aztreonam lacks cross-sensitivity with beta-lactam antibiotics. It may be used in patients who are allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins.
The duration of therapy depends on the severity of infection and is continued for at least 48 hours after the patient becomes asymptomatic or evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained. Doses that are smaller than indicated should not be used.
Transient or persistent renal insufficiency may prolong serum levels. After the initial loading dose of 1 or 2 g, reduce the dose by one half for an estimated CrCl of 10-30 mL/min/1.73 m2. When only the serum creatinine concentration is available, the following formula (based on sex, weight, and age) can approximate CrCl (serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function):
• Males: CrCl = [(weight in kg)(140 - age)] divided by (72 X serum creatinine in mg/dL)
• Females: 0.85 X above value
In patients with severe renal failure (CrCl < 10 mL/min/1.73 m2), those supported by hemodialysis, a usual dose of 500 mg, 1 g, or 2 g is given initially.
The maintenance dose is one fourth of the usual initial dose given at the usual fixed interval of 6, 8, or 12 hours. For serious or life-threatening infections, supplement maintenance doses with one eighth of the initial dose after each hemodialysis session.
Elderly persons may have diminished renal function. Renal status is a major determinant of dosage in these patients. Serum creatinine may not be an accurate determinant of renal status. Therefore, as with all antibiotics eliminated by the kidneys, obtain estimates of CrCl and make appropriate dosage modifications. Insufficient data are available regarding intramuscular (IM) administration to pediatric patients or dosing in pediatric patients with renal impairment. Aztreonam is administered intravenously only to pediatric patients with normal renal function.
Linezolid is used as an alternative drug in patients allergic to vancomycin and for treatment of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. It is also effective against MRSA and penicillin-susceptible S pneumoniae infections.
This agent is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that prevents formation of the functional 70S initiation complex, which is essential for the bacterial translation process. Linezolid is bacteriostatic against enterococci and staphylococci and bactericidal against most strains of streptococci.
Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum, gram-negative activity. It has lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms and higher efficacy against resistant organisms. Ceftriaxone is used for increasing prevalence of penicillinase-producing microorganisms. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to 1 or more penicillin-binding proteins. Cell wall autolytic enzymes lyse bacteria, while cell wall assembly is arrested.
Daptomycin causes membrane depolarization by binding to components of the cell membrane of susceptible organisms. It inhibits DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis intracellularly. It is a bactericidal antibiotic.
Nafcillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin. It is used for methicillin-sensitive S aureus and is the initial therapy for suspected penicillin G–resistant streptococcal or staphylococcal infections. In severe infections, start with parenteral therapy and change to oral therapy as the condition warrants. Because of thrombophlebitis, particularly in elderly persons, administer parenterally for only 1-2 days; change to oral therapy as indicated clinically.
Rifampin is for use in combination with at least 1 other antituberculosis drug. It inhibits RNA synthesis in bacteria by binding to the beta subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which, in turn, blocks RNA transcription. Cross-resistance may occur.
This is the first of a new antibiotic class called cyclic lipopeptides. It binds to bacterial membranes and causes rapid membrane potential depolarization, thereby inhibiting protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis, and ultimately causing cell death. It is indicated for complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by S aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains), S pyogenes, S agalactiae, S dysgalactiae, and E faecalis (vancomycin-susceptible strains only).
Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that is structurally similar to tetracycline antibiotics. It inhibits bacterial protein translation by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, and it blocks the entry of amino-acyl tRNA molecules in ribosome A site. It is indicated for complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by E coli, E faecalis (vancomycin-susceptible isolates only), S aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant isolates), S agalactiae, S anginosus group (includes S anginosus, S intermedius, and S constellatus), S pyogenes and B fragilis.