One-year outcomes in sepsis: a prospective multicenter cohort study in Japan

Abstract Background Sepsis is a leading cause of death in intensive care units (ICU). Sepsis survivors are often left with significant morbidity, termed post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), impacting post-sepsis life. The aim was to present detailed data on the prognostic and functional long-term outcomes of ICU patients with sepsis in Japan, which is currently lacking and therefore prevents development of targeted solutions. Methods A multicenter prospective study, involving 21 ICUs in 20 tertiary hospitals in Japan, included all consecutive adult ICU patients between November 2020 and April 2022, and diagnosed with sepsis at ICU admission (Sepsis 3). Follow-ups were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after hospital discharge by telephone and mail. Primary outcome was death or incidence of PICS, defined by any of physical dysfunction (Barthel Index ≤ 90), cognitive dysfunction (Short Memory Questionnaire