New research finds that people from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to develop sepsis and die.
The new study analyzed NHS data on 224,000 cases of sepsis in England and compared these cases with more than 1.3 million people without sepsis.
Experts at the University of Manchester found that people from the most deprived communities are 80% more likely to develop sepsis than those from the most deprived communities.
The academics also looked at deaths within 30 days of sepsis diagnosis and found that people from poor families and those with chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease were at higher risk of death.
The researchers used standardized measures of socioeconomic deprivation, using information on income, employment, crime rates, living circumstances and education.
After adjusting for other factors, they also found that people with learning disabilities were at least three times more likely to be diagnosed with sepsis than those without learning disabilities.
Others who are more likely to develop sepsis include those who are underweight or obese, of South Asian descent, smokers and those with a “history of heavy antibiotic exposure.”
Patients with cancer, neurological disease, diabetes, and immunosuppressive conditions are also more likely to develop the disease.
Dr Colin Brown, co-author of the study and head of antimicrobial resistance and sepsis at HSE, added: “While serious infection and sepsis can affect anyone, our data increasingly highlights the socio-economic The complex interplay between status, underlying medical conditions, and sepsis. Risk.
“Our study found that some people are more likely to die from sepsis than others, including those in the lowest socioeconomic groups, while those who need to take antibiotics more often are also at greater risk.
“Tackling inequalities is a core part of our public health approach, and a deeper understanding of the impact of serious bacterial infections will help us best implement interventions to tackle them.”
Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection. This occurs when the body overreacts and begins attacking its own tissues and organs.
Healthcare has a responsibility to reduce this inequality and improve opportunities for all
Dr Ron Daniels, founder and co-chief executive of the British Sepsis Trust
In adults, sepsis may initially feel like the flu, gastroenteritis, or a chest infection. Early symptoms include fever, chills and shakes, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.
Any child who is short of breath, has seizures, looks patchy, blue, or pale, or has a rash that doesn’t go away despite pressing, may have sepsis.
And babies or children under five years old may have sepsis if they don’t feed, vomit repeatedly, or go without a wet or wet diaper for 12 hours.
The British Sepsis Trust says sepsis affects 245,000 people in the UK every year and claims 48,000 lives.
Dr Ron Daniels, founder and co-chief executive of the British Sepsis Trust, added: “As an intensivist in central Birmingham, I often see patients from under-represented communities presenting with late-stage sepsis.
“This important study reminds us that socioeconomic status and the presence of underlying conditions – which themselves are often interrelated and are also linked to race – play important roles in determining inequalities in non-COVID sepsis risk.
“Healthcare has a responsibility to reduce this inequity and improve care for all.”