Abstract

Background: Sepsis and septic shock are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Early identification of patients at high risk of mortality is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies.

Aims: To investigate the clinical and subclinical characteristics and the prognostic value of several factors in determining the severity of sepsis and sepsis shock in surgical patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 122 surgical patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock (Sepsis-3 criteria) admitted to the intensive care unit between April 2023 and May 2024.

Results: Septic shock was more prevalent (62.3%) than sepsis (37.7%) and associated with longer hospital stays and higher mortality (52.6% vs. 10.9%, p<0.05). Patients with septic shock had significantly higher SOFA and APACHE II scores, and lower preoperative albumin levels. Procalcitonin, lactate, and creatinine levels were also elevated in the septic shock group. Preoperative albumin, lactate, procalcitonin, SOFA and APACHE II scores were independent predictors of mortality (AUROC: 63 - 75.7%, p<0.05). A combined model incorporating these factors further improved mortality prediction (AUROC 78.5%, sensitivity 86.4%, specificity 59.2%, p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study identified key prognostic factors for mortality in surgical patients with sepsis and septic shock. A combined model incorporating these factors may help to improve risk stratification and guide therapeutic decisions in this high-risk population