Sepsis is a fast-moving, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body overreacts to an infection, sometimes causing permanent organ damage and death.

A new study, published yesterday in JAMA, identified sepsis in 1.3% of hospitalized US children ages one month to 17 years old. The study, which included data from nearly four million admissions from 2016 through 2023, found that 10% of children with sepsis died while in the hospital. 

Overall, 18% of deaths in hospitalized children were related to sepsis, the study showed. Based on those rates, researchers calculated that more than 18,000 cases of sepsis and 1,800 deaths in 2022 among children in this age group.

Findings based on electronic health records

In an accompanying editorial, physicians from Australia, Singapore and Switzerland commended the study authors for developing a standardized way to measure sepsis cases and deaths in children. Previous reports have been based on diagnostic codes, which can vary by hospital and over time. Annual estimates of pediatric cases have varied dramatically, ranging from 33,000 illnesses a year to 75,000.

The new study is based on electronic health records, including laboratory results, use of antibiotics, and markers of organ dysfunction, such as the use of mechanical ventilation.

Children with sepsis, which can cause permanent disabilities, stayed in the hospital an average of 24 days, far longer than the average length of stay of four days. About 79% of children with sepsis were treated in intensive care units, compared to fewer than 1% of other children.

“These findings underscore the substantial burden of pediatric sepsis and its major contribution to childhood morbidity and mortality,” the study authors wrote.