The Reality of Sepsis

Background: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening infection affecting millions of individuals. Nearly three million individuals are affected annually, killing one in every two to four individuals. Sepsis mortality rates are highest in those 65 and older, making it the most expensive diagnosis paid by Medicare and worldwide at $24 billion dollars. Early goal directed therapy (EGDT), created by the International Surviving sepsis campaign, is a bundled protocol created to decrease mortality rates, however, utilization and completion remains a problem in the emergency department (ED).