Zurich – Together with an international research team, the University Children’s Hospital Zurich has developed globally valid criteria for the reliable diagnosis of multiple organ failure in children with sepsis. For the first time, these criteria quickly and reliably determine the degree of severity.
A team of researchers, led by the University Children's Hospital Zurich, has significantly improved the diagnosis of sepsis in children through a multi-year big data project. According to a press release from the University of Zurich, evidence-based criteria have so far been lacking. The study has now been presented. Due to its international significance, it was published in a double publication in the journal "JAMA".
The project reportedly analyzed data from over 3.5 million children suffering from sepsis. The scientists used machine learning methods to derive evidence-based criteria for diagnosing children. During this project, they developed the innovative Phoenix Sepsis Score. It detects the severity of organ failure quickly and reliably. According to figures, around 3 million children worldwide die every year from this life-threatening infection, which can lead to organ failure.
"The results are highly relevant," Prof. Luregn Schlapbach, MD, is quoted as saying. The Professor of Pediatric Medicine at the University of Zurich and Head of Intensive Care Medicine at the University Children's Hospital Zurich led the study together with Prof. Scott Watson from Seattle Childen's Hospital. "For the first time, there are standardized and evidence-based criteria that can sustainably improve the early detection of this dangerous disease in the future."
This project also used data from countries in South America, Africa and Asia for the first time. The new criteria can therefore be used worldwide in small and large hospitals and in different healthcare systems. ce/mm