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Home › Conditions › Sepsis

Sepsis

Part of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Subtypes of Sepsis

Sepsis-associated acute lung injury 2 Burn sepsis 1 Campylobacter bacteremia 1 Intra-abdominal sepsis 1 Maternal mortality/sepsis 1 Non-associated liver injury in sepsis 1 Pulmonary sepsis 1 Salmonella bacteremia 1 Sepsis-associated acute gastrointestinal injury 1 Sepsis-Associated Hypotension 1 Sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia 1 Sepsis-induced acute gastrointestinal injury 1 Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy 1 Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy 1 Sepsis-related intestinal injury 1 Sepsis-related liver injury 1 Gram-negative bacteremia 0 Group A Streptococcus Bacteremia 0 MRSA bacteremia 0

95 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Sepsis

70 trials tracked for Sepsis: 17 in phase 3 or 4 and 9 with published results. The most-cited published study has 798 citations.

70Trials tracked
17Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
9With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 5 Phase 3 12 Phase 2 13 Phase 1 6 Other / NA 34
  1. Phase 3 Study of Cefiderocol (S-649266) or Best Available Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Infections Caused by Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative Pathogens Completed · 798 cited
  2. Phase 3 Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Steroids in Sepsis Completed · 281 cited
  3. Phase 3 The MENDS2 Study, Maximizing the Efficacy of Sedation and Reducing Neurological Dysfunction and Mortality in Septic Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure Completed · 280 cited
  4. Phase 3 Ascorbic Acid, Corticosteroids, and Thiamine in Sepsis (ACTS) Trial Completed · 252 cited
  5. Phase 3 A Phase 3 Study of LJPC-501 in Patients With Catecholamine-Resistant Hypotension Completed · 238 cited
  6. Phase 4 Effect of Antibiotic Choice On ReNal Outcomes (ACORN) Completed · 134 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Zambia Chlorhexidine Application Trial Completed · 82 cited
  2. Phase 3 Vitamin C and Septic Shock Completed · 62 cited
  3. Phase 3 Feasibility of 5% Albumin Compared With Balanced Crystalloid, as Intravenous Fluid Resuscitation in Adult Patients With Sepsis, Presenting as an Emergency to Hospital Completed · 22 cited
  4. Phase 4 Study of Sedative Medications in Patients With Severe Infection and Respiratory Failure Completed
  5. Phase 4 Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Doripenem in Critically Ill Trauma Patients Completed
  6. Phase 4 Hemodynamic and Perfusion Response to Drotrecogin Alfa (Activated) in Patients With Septic Shock Completed
  7. Phase 4 Effect of Nebulized Bronchodilators on Heart Rate Completed
  8. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety of Drotrecogin Alfa (Activated) in Adult Patients With Septic Shock Completed
  9. Phase 3 The Effects of Polymyxin-B Protects on Sepsis Induced Kidney Dysfunction: a Randomized Clinical Trial Completed
  10. Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Inhaled Nitric Oxide to Augment Tissue Perfusion in Sepsis Completed
  11. Phase 3 Effects of Voluven on Hemodynamics and Tolerability of Enteral Nutrition in Patients With Severe Sepsis Completed
  12. Phase 2 Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Infusion in Human Sepsis Completed
  13. Phase 2 Thiamine as a Renal Protective Agent in Septic Shock Completed
  14. Phase 2 Inulin for Infections in the Intensive Care Unit Completed
  15. Phase 2 Ubiquinol (Reduced COQ10) for Patients With Sepsis Completed
  16. Phase 2 A Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Single and Multiple Doses of Cefiderocol in Hospitalized Pediatric Participants Completed
  17. Phase 2 Vitamin C Infusion for TReatment in Sepsis and Alcoholic Hepatitis Completed
  18. Phase 2 GR270773 In The Treatment Of Suspected Or Confirmed Gram-Negative Severe Sepsis In Adults Completed
  19. Phase 2 Immunomodulatory Properties of Ketamine in Sepsis Completed
  20. Phase 2 Prophylactic Probiotics to Extremely Low Birth Weight Prematures Completed
  21. Phase 2 Vitamin C Infusion for Treatment in Sepsis Induced Acute Lung Injury Completed
  22. Phase 2 Vitamin C & Thiamine to Treat Sepsis and Septic Shock Completed
  23. Phase 2 Early Insulin and Development of ARDS Completed
  24. Phase 2 Acetaminophen and Ascorbate in Sepsis: Targeted Therapy to Enhance Recovery Completed
  25. Phase 1 Effects of TNX-832 (Sunol cH36) in Subjects With Acute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Completed
  26. Phase 1 An Open Label Study to Describe the Pharmacokinetics of Daptomycin in Infants Completed
  27. Phase 1 Amendment of rTSST-1 Variant Vaccine Phase 1 Clinical Trial Completed
  28. Phase 1 Imipenem-Relebactam Pharmacokinetics in Augmented Renal Clearance Completed
  29. Phase 1 Imipenem/Cilastatin/Relebactam PK in ECMO Completed
  30. Phase 1 Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Piperacillin-tazobactam in Neonates Completed
  31. N/A Trial of Glutamine and Antioxidant Supplementation in Critically Ill Patients Completed
  32. N/A Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock Completed
  33. N/A Piperacillin PK Analysis in Severe Sepsis Patients Completed
  34. N/A A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Conservative Fluid Balance Strategy for Patients With Sepsis and Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction (BALANCE Study) Completed
  35. N/A AION BIOSYSTEMS, INC. Tempshield for Continuous Tempreature Monitoring Completed
  36. N/A Effect of Emergency Department Care Reorganization on Door-to-antibiotic Times for Sepsis (LDS SWARM) Completed
  37. N/A Impact of Heart Rate Characteristics Monitoring in Neonates Completed
  38. N/A Preemptive Resuscitation for Eradication of Septic Shock Completed
  39. N/A Extracardiac Complications After Cardiac Surgery Completed
  40. N/A Efficacy of Betalactam Antibiotics in Prolonged Infusion Compared to Intermittent in Pediatric Patients With Sepsis Completed
  41. N/A The Effect of Etomidate on Patient Outcomes After Single Bolus Doses Completed
  42. N/A Release of Nociceptin From Granulocytes in Sepsis Completed
  43. N/A Mechanistic Inflammatory Sub-study Embedded Within the Albumin vs Balanced Crystalloid Trial Completed
  44. N/A Utility of Presepsin in Distinguishing Between Sepsis and SIRS Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 70 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Sepsis: what the trials found

Cefiderocol has been evaluated for the treatment of infections including HAP, VAP, and HCAP, as well as BSI/Sepsis; clinical cure rates at test of cure were reported between 42.9% and 52.6% across various subgroups 9. In a separate trial, Cefiderocol was assessed in a Phase 2 study 1.

Pharmacological interventions for hemodynamic support and organ protection show mixed results. LJPC-501 demonstrated a statistically significant increase in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) at 3 hours post-initiation compared to the control group 13. In contrast, drotrecogin alfa (activated) did not show statistically significant differences in Cumulative Vasopressor Index (CVI), mean arterial pressure, or 28-day all-cause mortality [8, 18].

Vitamin C and associated therapies showed no significant impact on primary outcomes in several studies. Vitamin C alone did not significantly affect vasopressor/ventilator-free days or mortality at 30 or 180 days 10, nor did it show a statistically significant effect on SOFA scores or renal failure when combined with vitamin B1 and hydrocortisone 12. A separate trial of Vitamin C showed no significant change in SOFA or APACHE scores, though all-cause mortality at 28 days was reported as 26% vs 16% 15.

Other interventions include the use of propofol, which did not significantly impact duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, or vasopressor support 5. Levalbuterol was associated with a significant reduction in heart rate and a decrease in the number of participants with arrhythmias 6. Human albumin showed no difference in 90-day readmission rates 16, while inhaled nitric oxide did not significantly change sublingual microcirculatory flow index 17.

An anti-pseudomonal cephalosporin was evaluated in a large cohort, reporting equal counts of major adverse kidney events and delirium/coma-free days at day 14 4. Chlorhexidine gluconate (4%) was also established in the literature 14.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Blood leukocyte subpopulations showed significant differences in both absolute numbers and flow cytometry percentages across various phenotypes (p<0.05) 3.
  • Intravenous Acetaminophen (room temperature) results for 28-day mortality, days alive/free of organ support, and days free of assisted ventilation were not statistically significant 22.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Cefiderocol is established in the treatment of sepsis and associated infections with documented clinical cure rates [1, 9].
  • LJPC-501 demonstrated a significant increase in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) within 3 hours of initiation 13.
  • Vitamin C, drotrecogin alfa, and inhaled nitric oxide did not show statistically significant improvements in primary hemodynamic or mortality endpoints in the reported trials [8, 10, 12, 17, 18].
  • Levalbuterol was associated with a significant reduction in heart rate and fewer arrhythmias 6.

AI synthesis of 14 cited trials, updated Jun 25, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Bleeding, sepsis, and liver impairment each independently raise thrombocytopenia risk in ICU patients
Emergency Medicine Meta-analysis
Bleeding, sepsis, and liver impairment each independently raise thrombocytopenia risk in ICU patients Critical illness factors linked to lower platelet counts in patients
This meta-analysis of 27,147 critically ill patients found that bleeding (OR 3.49), sepsis (OR 2.32), and impaired liver function (OR 1.55) …
New data shows that bleeding, sepsis, and liver issues significantly increase the risk of low platelets in critically ill patients.
Frontiers Jul 24, 2026
Early postnatal antibiotic exposure increases BPD risk in very preterm infants across 11 studies
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
Early postnatal antibiotic exposure increases BPD risk in very preterm infants across 11 studies Early Antibiotic Exposure Linked to Risks for Very Preterm Infants
This meta-analysis of 11 studies indicates that early postnatal antibiotic exposure is associated with an increased risk of bronchopulmonary…
Early antibiotic use in very preterm infants is linked to higher risks of lung issues, intestinal damage, and mortality.
Frontiers Jul 17, 2026
Age, male sex, low BMI, and comorbidities like diabetes are significant risk factors for sepsis incidence
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
Age, male sex, low BMI, and comorbidities like diabetes are significant risk factors for sepsis incidence Age, diabetes, and COPD raise sepsis risk, meta-analysis finds
This meta-analysis of 21 studies identifies several significant risk factors associated with increased sepsis incidence, including age over …
A new analysis of 21 studies pinpoints key risk factors for sepsis, including age, diabetes, and COPD.
Frontiers Jul 17, 2026
Toll-like receptor signaling governs inflammatory phenotypes and progression in infectious myocarditis
Cardiology Sys. Review
Toll-like receptor signaling governs inflammatory phenotypes and progression in infectious myocarditis Toll-like receptors shape severity of infectious myocarditis
This systematic review examines the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in infectious myocarditis associated with COVID-19, influenza, and se…
A systematic review finds that pathogen-specific TLR signaling determines inflammation and outcomes in infectious myocarditis, with COVID-19…
Frontiers Jul 15, 2026
HMGB1 and LPS interactions provide potential therapeutic targets for inflammation and coagulation in sepsis
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
HMGB1 and LPS interactions provide potential therapeutic targets for inflammation and coagulation in sepsis New research identifies how specific proteins drive sepsis inflammation
This narrative review explores the mechanistic roles of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) in sepsis. The author…
Scientists have identified a specific interaction between two molecules that triggers severe inflammation and organ failure during sepsis.
Frontiers Jul 15, 2026
Sepsis is an inflammation-driven immune reprogramming disorder characterized by time-resolved trajectories and biologically defined subtypes
Cardiology Sys. Review
Sepsis is an inflammation-driven immune reprogramming disorder characterized by time-resolved trajectories and biologically defined subtypes New research reframes sepsis as an immune reprogramming disorder
This narrative review explores the pathophysiology of sepsis as a dynamic immune reprogramming disorder involving hyperinflammation and low-…
Sepsis is more than just a severe infection; it is now being understood as a complex failure of the body's immune system.
Frontiers Jul 12, 2026
Adrenergic receptor signaling modulates pulmonary innate immunity and barrier integrity in acute lung injury
Diabetes & Endocrinology Sys. Review
Adrenergic receptor signaling modulates pulmonary innate immunity and barrier integrity in acute lung injury Understanding How Nerve Signals Influence Lung Health During Severe Respiratory Infections
This systematic review synthesizes the role of adrenergic receptors (ARs) as a molecular interface between the sympathetic nervous system an…
New research explores how specific nerve signals help control inflammation and protect the lungs during severe lung infections.
Frontiers Jul 10, 2026
Hyperoxygenation target (PaO2: 100-150 mmHg) reduces 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis
Emergency Medicine RCT
Hyperoxygenation target (PaO2: 100-150 mmHg) reduces 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis Higher oxygen targets may lower death rates for sepsis patients
This randomized controlled trial of 270 patients with sepsis found that a hyperoxygenation target of PaO2: 100-150 mmHg significantly reduce…
A new trial shows that giving higher levels of oxygen to patients with sepsis can significantly reduce deaths within the first 28 days.
Jul 5, 2026
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG does not significantly impact composite outcomes in VLBW infants
Pediatrics RCT
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG does not significantly impact composite outcomes in VLBW infants Trial shows probiotic LGG does not improve outcomes for infants
This randomized controlled trial of 236 enterally-fed very low birth weight infants found no significant difference in the primary composite…
A trial of 236 very low birth weight infants found that a specific probiotic did not reduce risks like sepsis or intestinal issues.
Jul 5, 2026
Novel biomarkers and machine learning algorithms facilitate earlier identification and diagnosis of sepsis
Infectious Disease Sys. Review
Novel biomarkers and machine learning algorithms facilitate earlier identification and diagnosis of sepsis New Diagnostic Tools May Help Identify Sepsis More Quickly
This narrative review explores the evolution of sepsis diagnostic strategies from traditional clinical scoring systems to advanced markers l…
Newer biomarkers and machine learning tools are evolving beyond traditional scoring systems to help doctors identify sepsis earlier in patie…
Frontiers Jul 3, 2026
Bovine milk fortifiers non-inferior to human milk fortifiers for NEC and sepsis in pre-term newborns
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Meta-analysis
Bovine milk fortifiers non-inferior to human milk fortifiers for NEC and sepsis in pre-term newborns Bovine Milk Fortifiers Show Similar Results to Human Milk
This meta-analysis of 3371 publications found that bovine milk-based fortifiers are non-inferior to human milk-based fortifiers for necrotiz…
A large review of research suggests that bovine milk based fortifiers are as safe and effective as human milk for newborns with specific con…
medRxiv Jun 29, 2026
Elevated HMGB1 levels correlate with sepsis diagnosis and increased mortality risk in adult patients
Emergency Medicine Meta-analysis
Elevated HMGB1 levels correlate with sepsis diagnosis and increased mortality risk in adult patients High HMGB1 levels linked to sepsis and higher mortality
This meta-analysis of 3,110 patients found that serum or plasma HMGB1 levels are significantly higher in sepsis patients compared to healthy…
Higher levels of the protein HMGB1 in the blood are linked to more severe cases of sepsis and an increased risk of death for patients.
Jun 22, 2026

Research across Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Related studies from across the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome family.

Base excess shows 85.8% sensitivity and 82.9% specificity for neonatal sepsis diagnosis in meta-analysis
Emergency Medicine Meta-analysis
Base excess shows 85.8% sensitivity and 82.9% specificity for neonatal sepsis diagnosis in meta-analysis Base Excess Levels May Help Identify Neonatal Sepsis Risk
This meta-analysis evaluated base excess (BE) for diagnosing and prognosing neonatal sepsis. Pooled sensitivity at ≤-5 mEq/L was 85.8% and s…
A new analysis suggests that measuring base excess levels could help doctors identify and predict risks in infants with neonatal sepsis.
Jul 4, 2026
Azithromycin reduces maternal infection in laboring women in low- and middle-income countries
Infectious Disease RCT
Azithromycin reduces maternal infection in laboring women in low- and middle-income countries Antibiotic reduces maternal infection risk in labor
This secondary analysis of an RCT found that azithromycin reduced maternal infection and sepsis in women in labor, with a larger reduction a…
A single dose of azithromycin during labor lowered maternal infections in a large trial across seven countries.
Jun 1, 2026
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Finds IL-27 Superior to CRP for Neonatal Sepsis Diagnosis
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Finds IL-27 Superior to CRP for Neonatal Sepsis Diagnosis A New Blood Test May Spot Newborn Sepsis Faster Than Current Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 495 neonates compared IL-27 to C-reactive protein for diagnosing neonatal sepsis. IL-27 showed h…
A simple blood marker called IL-27 catches newborn sepsis more accurately than the standard test, potentially saving lives by speeding up di…
Frontiers May 13, 2026
7-Day Antibiotic Regimen Non-Inferior to 14-Day for Uncomplicated Neonatal Sepsis in RCT
Pediatrics RCT
7-Day Antibiotic Regimen Non-Inferior to 14-Day for Uncomplicated Neonatal Sepsis in RCT Can shorter antibiotics cure newborn sepsis just as well as two weeks of treatment?
This randomized control assessor-blinded trial evaluated 140 neonates weighing ≥ 1000 g with culture-positive sepsis in a tertiary Neonatal …
A 7-day antibiotic course for newborn sepsis worked as well as 14 days, with babies leaving the hospital sooner and needing less breathing s…
Apr 16, 2026
AMR strategies in LMIC newborns reduce antibiotic use and mortality in meta-analysis
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
AMR strategies in LMIC newborns reduce antibiotic use and mortality in meta-analysis Strategies to reduce antibiotic resistance may lower infection risks in newborns in low-income countries
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 facility-based studies in LMICs found that strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistance, includ…
Strategies to curb antibiotic resistance in newborns in low-income countries lower infection risks and reduce overall mortality.
Apr 14, 2026
Maternal preeclampsia modestly increases neonatal sepsis risk in infants up to 28 days of age
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
Maternal preeclampsia modestly increases neonatal sepsis risk in infants up to 28 days of age A Mother’s High Blood Pressure May Raise Her Newborn’s Infection Risk
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 1,513,008 neonates to assess the association between maternal preeclampsia and neonatal s…
Babies born to mothers with preeclampsia face a 27% higher risk of serious infection in the first month of life, prompting doctors to watch …
Frontiers Apr 13, 2026
Case-control study identifies K. pneumoniae proteins associated with lack of neonatal sepsis
Infectious Disease Case-Control
Case-control study identifies K. pneumoniae proteins associated with lack of neonatal sepsis Study identifies potential vaccine targets for deadly newborn infection in Africa
A case-control study of 100 mother-baby dyads in sub-Saharan Africa analyzed antibody responses to 161 K.
Specific bacterial proteins might protect newborns from deadly sepsis via maternal antibodies, paving the way for a vaccine in sub-Saharan A…
medRxiv Apr 4, 2026
Chlorhexidine May Reduce Neonatal Mortality and Infection in LMICs
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
Chlorhexidine May Reduce Neonatal Mortality and Infection in LMICs Can antiseptics on the umbilical cord save newborns from infection and death?
Meta-analysis shows 4.0% chlorhexidine reduces neonatal mortality (RR 0.86) and omphalitis (RR 0.71) in LMICs, but delays cord separation by…
Applying chlorhexidine to the umbilical cord may lower the risk of infection and death in newborns in low-income countries.
Mar 28, 2026

Questions about Sepsis

Are extracellular vesicles a potential treatment for sepsis-related acute lung injury?

Extracellular vesicles show potential as both a contributor and a therapeutic target in sepsis-related acute lung injury, but clinical use is still experimental.

Full answer →
Does using procalcitonin to guide my sepsis care lower my chance of dying?

Yes, procalcitonin-guided care may lower your chance of dying from sepsis, with studies showing reduced 28-day and long-term mortality.

Full answer →
What quality indicators should I expect for my sepsis care in China?

In China, sepsis care quality indicators include timely antibiotic administration, blood culture collection, lactate measurement, and fluid resuscitation, as outlined in a Delphi consensus study.

Full answer →
Does having sepsis mean I will face long-term cognitive or physical problems?

Yes, sepsis survivors often face long-term cognitive, physical, and psychological problems known as post-sepsis syndrome, with impairments persisting for months to years.

Full answer →

All Sepsis Articles