Researchers conducted a study that found using the standardized approach to diagnosing and treating sepsis did not alter a patient's survival chances. Researchers polled providers across 138 hospitals in seven countries about their sepsis treatment protocols.
Researchers collected data from three trials including 3,723 sepsis patients. Researchers treated half with physician-directed treatment and half with an early, goal-directed therapy, requiring providers to insert a central line and continually monitor the patient.
Researchers concluded EGDT did not improve patient outcomes, but did increase hospitalization costs when compared to standard care. The researchers said, "Good early bedside sepsis care with therapies matched to severity is key, not use of a singular protocol."
Principal investigator and University of Pittsburgh Professor Derek Angus, MD, said the results were reassuring. He added the collaboration between physicians around the world was "truly inspiring."
Researchers will reveal the findings at the 37th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine in Brussels on March 21, 2017. The New England Journal of Medicine will publish the results.
