The rate of severe sepsis hospitalization almost doubled during the 11-yr period studied and is considerably greater than has been previously predicted. Mortality from severe sepsis also increased significantly. However, case fatality rates decreased during the same study period.

No abstract

In this study, age-adjusted case fatality rates for hospitalized white and black patients with sepsis were similar. These data are not suggestive of systematic disparities in the quality of treatment of sepsis between blacks and whites. However, blacks had higher rates of hospitalization and population-based mortality for sepsis. We speculate that disparities in disease prevention and care of preexisting conditions before sepsis onset may explain these differences.

No abstract

In spite of increasing rates of hospitalization and mortality, there is a decreasing case fatality rate for severe sepsis. These data suggest that advances in critical care practice before and during the study period have resulted in improved outcomes for this population.