Life after sepsis: an international survey of survivors to understand the post-sepsis syndrome

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aim to describe the post-sepsis syndrome from the perspective of the sepsis survivors. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study is a prospective, observational online international survey. PARTICIPANTS: Sepsis survivors enrolled via social media from 13 September 2014 to 13 September 2016. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Physiologic, physical and psychological function post-sepsis; and patient satisfaction with sepsis-centered care. RESULTS: 1731 completed surveys from 41 countries were analyzed, with 79.9% female respondents, age 47.6 ± 14.4 years. The majority of respondents (47.8%) had sepsis within the last year. Survivors reported an increase in sensory, integumentary, digestive, breathing, chest pain, kidney and musculoskeletal problems after sepsis (all P-value <0.0001). Physical functions such as daily chores, running errands, spelling, reading and reduced libido posed increased difficulty (all P-value <0.0001). Within 7 days prior to completing the survey, the survivors reported varying degrees of anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep disturbance. Sepsis survivors reported dissatisfaction with a number of hospital support services, with up to 29.3% of respondents stating no social services support was provided for their condition. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis survivors suffer from a myriad of physiologic, physical and psychological challenges. Survivors overall reveal dissatisfaction with sepsis-related care, suggesting areas for improvement both in-hospital and post-discharge.