Clinical Associate Professors Dr. David Sweet and Dr. Rob Stenstrom show for the first time evidence that early sampling of blood for microorganisms in sepsis is critical to treating the common and potentially fatal condition.
The five-year study (2013-2018) published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine involved 325 patients in seven hospitals (including Vancouver General, St. Paul’s, Lions Gate and Surrey Memorial) who arrived at the hospital complaining of sepsis-like symptoms such as increased heart rate, painful urination and confusion.
“In ED septic patients with hypotension or elevated lactate obtaining blood cultures soon after initiation of antibiotics results in a 50% loss of sensitivity. Even if all other culture results are considered (urine, sputum, etc.), 1/3 of the pathogens in the pre-antibiotic blood culture are never recovered.”, says Dr. David Sweet.
“In the last 15 years, there has been increasing emphasis on the importance of rapid administration of antibiotics in sepsis, potentially undervaluing the importance of obtaining blood cultures prior. Our study supports the need for resources and techniques in place to ensure that blood cultures are obtained before antibiotic initiation.”