Comorbidity Patterns And Source Of Infection Among Sepsis And Septic Shock Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Background: Sepsis and septic shock remain major contributors to intensive care unit (ICU) mortality worldwide. Comorbidities and infection sources significantly influence outcomes and diagnostic marker performance.

Aim and Objectives: To assess comorbidity distribution, infection sources, and diagnostic performance of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with sepsis and septic shock.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 participants (40 sepsis patients, 40 controls). Demographics, comorbidities, infection sources, and biomarker levels were recorded. ROC curve analysis evaluated diagnostic performance.

Results: Hypertension (22.5%), diabetes mellitus (25%), chronic lung disease (25%), and anemia (30%) were common comorbidities in sepsis. Septic shock occurred in 25% of patients. Pneumonia (30%), urinary tract infections (20%), and abdominal abscess (25%) were the most frequent infection sources. PCT demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.93 for control vs sepsis), outperforming CRP (AUC=0.85).

Conclusion: Certain comorbidities, especially diabetes and chronic lung disease, were significantly more prevalent in sepsis. PCT showed superior diagnostic accuracy over CRP, particularly for differentiating sepsis from healthy controls.