New global criteria for improved diagnosis of pediatric sepsis

Diagnosis of sepsis in children has been improved based on new research findings. An international research team co-led by the Luregn Schlapbach from the University and the University Children's Hospital Zurich harnessed artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 3.5 million children suffering from this life-threatening disease.

Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that can lead to organ failure. Every year, around 3 million children worldwide die of the disease. Of those who survive a sepsis infection, every third child suffers long-term consequences, sometimes severe. Until now, there were no evidence-based criteria for diagnosing sepsis in children.

In a big-data project spanning several years, an international task force analyzed data from over 3.5 million children suffering from sepsis. The researchers applied machine-learning methods to extrapolate from the data analysis evidence-based criteria for diagnosing sepsis in children. They used their findings to develop a novel scoring system, called the Phoenix Sepsis Score. The scoring system enables physicians to quickly and reliably determine the severity of organ failure in children with sepsis.

Global relevance

"These findings are hugely significant. For the first time, we have standardized and evidence-based criteria that can be used to improve the early detection of this serious disease in the future," says Prof. Dr. med. Luregn Schlapbach. Schlapbach, who led the study together with Prof. Scott Watson of the Seattle Children's Hospital, USA, is professor of pediatric intensive care medicine at the University of Zurich and senior physician in intensive care medicine at the University Children's Hospital Zurich.

The big-data project included data from developing countries in South America, Africa and Asia - a first for a sepsis study of this kind. This means the new criteria are equally suitable for small and large hospitals in different types of healthcare systems anywhere in the world.

The international significance of the findings led to the study being published in a double publication in the renowned JAMA journal.

National action plan against sepsis

The University Children's Hospital is actively involved in the Swiss Sepsis National Action Plan with a focus on children. Specialists from the hospital also work closely with the University of Zurich to improve the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis with the help of artificial intelligence, new biomarkers and other innovative methods.

The current study is also important for the National Program for Quality Improvement in Sepsis, funded by the Swiss Quality Commission. The aim of the program is the implementation of the Swiss Sepsis National Action Plan to improve prevention, early detection, treatment and follow-up care of sepsis infections in children and adults.