The 2026 Surviving Sepsis Guidelines aim to sharpen clinical decision-making and improve outcomes across care settings worldwide.

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC)—a joint initiative of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)—has published two sets of guidelines for treating sepsis in adults and children, drawing on a significant body of new clinical evidence since the previous editions. The guidelines were developed by international panels totalling over 130 experts from all continents, including patient and family representatives.

Both guidelines introduce practical features: quick-reference graphics for bedside use, summary tables of new and revised recommendations, and clearer explanations of how evidence translates into strong versus conditional guidance.

Adult guidelines

The 129-statement adult guidelines build on the 2021 SSC edition, reinforcing early recognition, timely infection treatment, and hemodynamic resuscitation while adding 46 new statements. Notable additions address antibiotic optimisation, blood pressure targets in older adults, fluid removal after resuscitation, and continuity of care post-discharge—including psychological and physical rehabilitation. Published in Intensive Care Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, they are endorsed by 24 professional societies.

Paediatric guidelines

The paediatric guidelines, updated in 2020, reflect a significant increase in high-quality evidence and adopt a new data-driven definition of paediatric sepsis. Among 20 new topics addressed is a conditional recommendation for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to guide resuscitation. The guidelines also now cover post-sepsis morbidity risk and long-term follow-up—critical given that 30–40% of children surviving ICU-level sepsis treatment may face lasting health issues. Published in Intensive Care Medicine and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, they are endorsed by 14 organisations.

Download these infographics to use alongside the guidelines:

• Quick Guide for Resuscitation and Haemodynamic Support in Adults with Sepsis and Septic Shock;
• Antibiotic Timing Framework for Adults
• Quick Guide for Initial Resuscitation in Children With Probable Sepsis With and Without Septic Shock;

About Surviving Sepsis Campaign

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) is a joint initiative of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), led by multiprofessional international experts committed to reducing mortality and morbidity from sepsis and septic shock, the leading causes of death worldwide. The SSC advances evidence-based guidance, education, and global collaboration to improve the recognition and treatment of sepsis and septic shock across diverse care settings. Follow the SSC on Facebook.