Impact of sepsis and organ dysfunction on cancer patients' mortality

Background

Infection is a significant complication in cancer patients, which frequently prolongs hospitalization. Severe sepsis can also lead to acute organ dysfunction and eventually death. This study aimed to identify cancer patients with sepsis and organ dysfunction, and to assess its impact on mortality.

Methods

We reviewed medical data of cancer patients in a tertiary hospital, with diagnosis of sepsis, between January 2013 and April 2014. Descriptive analysis of main demographic, clinical and prognostic characteristics was performed. Identification of independent predictors of organ dysfunction and mortality was accomplished by binary logistic regression.

Results

We included 257 patients with a median age of 67 years, 58% were male and 80% had a solid tumor: 25% gastrointestinal (GI), 18% lung and 16% genitourinary (GU). Half of patients presented a respiratory focus of infection and organ dysfunction were reported in 35% of patients. There was a significant association between primary tumor location and focus of infection (p 

Conclusions

Severe sepsis is a common and deadly complication in cancer patients. Focus of infection was related to primary tumor location. Number of organ dysfunction, hyperlactacidemia and MEDS score were associated to an increased risk of mortality. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to estimate of the magnitude of this problem, in order to improve medical management with positive impact for cancer survival.

Clinical trial identification

Legal entity responsible for the study

IPO-Porto, Hospital de São João

Funding

IPO-Porto, Hospital de São João

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.