Risk Factors for Mortality, Intensive Care Unit Admission, and Bacteremia in Patients Suspected of Sepsis at the Emergency Department: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background. There is a clear need for a better assessment of independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit admission, and bacteremia in patients presenting with suspected sepsis at the emergency department. Methods. A prospective observational cohort study including 1690 patients was performed. Two multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors. Results. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score of >= 2 and serum lactate of >= 2mmol/L were associated with all outcomes. Other independent risk factors were individual SOFA variables and systemic inflammatory response syndrome variables but varied per outcome. Mean arterial pressure <70 mmHg negatively impacted all outcomes. Conclusions. These readily available measurements can help with early risk stratification and prediction of prognosis.