A new study reveals a significant decrease in sepsis-related mortality rates among children in the United States from 1999 to 2019, but highlights persistent racial disparities in outcomes. The research, presented at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDWeek) in Los Angeles, analyzed national death certificate data over two decades.
Dr. Ladonna Boasiako and colleagues from Brandywine, Maryland, found that the overall sepsis-related mortality rate (SRMR) in children decreased from 1.7 to 1.2 per 100,000 during the study period. This decline was observed across various demographic groups, including both males and females, as well as in rural and urban areas.
However, the study uncovered a troubling disparity: non-Hispanic Black children consistently faced higher mortality rates compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. The overall non-Hispanic Black to non-Hispanic White SRMR ratio stood at 2.7, with no significant change observed throughout the 20-year period.
The researchers noted differences in SRMR based on age, gender, race, and geographic region. Encouragingly, decreases in SRMR were seen across all census regions and in both rural and urban settings.
While the overall decline in death rates suggests that sepsis can be effectively managed and reduced, the persistent racial disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. Dr. Boasiako emphasized the importance of spreading best practices to ensure all children, regardless of their background, receive optimal care for sepsis.
This study sheds light on both the progress made in combating childhood sepsis and the work that remains to address health inequities in the United States.
See “1999 to 2019 saw decrease in sepsis-related mortality rate in children” (October 17, 2024)
