September 13th marks World Sepsis Day (WSD). This initiative was established in 2012 by the Global Sepsis Alliance, of which ESICM is a member, with the aim of increasing public awareness of sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening acute organ dysfunction secondary to infection and affects more than 19 million people annually. In 2017, it was estimated that almost 49 million people were infected by sepsis. Certain groups of patients are especially vulnerable to sepsis, such as pregnant women, people over 75 and with a weakened immune system.

Longer-term effects of sepsis, known as post-sepsis syndrome, occur in up to 50% of sepsis survivors who suffer from persisting physical, cognitive, and psychological sequelae. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated the biggest cohort of sepsis survivors.

Yet, this syndrome is poorly known among lay people. Likewise, only a minority knows that it can be prevented by vaccination and hygienic measures and that an early diagnosis and prompt treatment can drastically reduce sepsis-related mortality.

ESICM has been committed for over 20 years to improving sepsis outcomes through the international Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC), a joint initiative with the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). The SSC is led by multidisciplinary, international experts committed to improving the time to recognise and treat sepsis and septic shock.

Since its inception in 2022, the campaign developed guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and post-ICU care of sepsis and a reduction of mortality from sepsis. But there is to increase and improve education on this syndrome. Together, we can find and defeat sepsis!

We encourage you to browse our Sepsis Resource Hub, including the latest guidelines, webinars, courses & podcasts.