Severe sepsis is the leading reason for ICU admission. By definition severe sepsis leads to various organ system failures potentially placing these category of critically ill patients at high risk of death. Sepsis is the most common pathway to death after an infection. Worldwide every three seconds someone dies from sepsis.
Over time mortality from severe sepsis has markedly declined, especially in developed countries, however mortality still may be considered high compared to many acute conditions.
To provide healthcare providers with the latest scientific information the Surviving Sepsis Campaign was launched 14 years ago to improve outcome of patients with severe sepsis. Evidence-based guidelines were developed to optimize care of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and reduce mortality. Bundle programs based on the guidelines over the last decade have shown to reduce mortality, although underlying scientific evidence has been heavily debated.
Moreover, we lack effective pharmacological interventions to improve outcome of patients with severe sepsis. Many if not all clinical trials studying such interventions have failed to reduce mortality.
Probably the most importing aspect of sepsis is the early recognition of signs and symptoms. An early diagnosis and prompt institution of adequate therapeutic interventions such as antibiotics is of paramount importance.
To increase attention the annual World Sepsis Day, an international collaboration to increase awareness to both professionals and the public, was launched to further reduce sepsis related mortality in the near future, more specific saving 800 000 lives worldwide by 2020. In 2015, World Sepsis Day is planned on September 13, 2017.
To provide health care professionals with the latest scientific information we organize the second International Sepsis Symposium in The Netherlands on Thursday 10 September 2015 attended by the best international experts from the field just three days before the World Sepsis Day. This time the venue is located in the City of Lunteren in order to attract more international participants.
We would be greatly honored if you would accept our invitation and join us during the Symposium.
On behalf of the program committee,
Arthur R.H. van Zanten, MD PhD
Chair Sepsis Expert Group
National Patient Safety Program The Netherlands
Prevent it. Spot it. Treat it - beat it
Stop sepsis, save lives