Mode
Home
Research
Clinical Trials Drug Pipeline Weekly Digests
Reference
Conditions Medications
Community
Questions
Text Size
Log in / Sign up
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.
Delphi guideline establishes sepsis care quality indicators for Chinese emergency and ICU settings
Rheumatology Guideline
Delphi guideline establishes sepsis care quality indicators for Chinese emergency and ICU settings New Sepsis Care Checklist Catches Deadly Delays Before It's Too Late
This mixed-methods Delphi guideline developed quality indicators for sepsis care in China. Using a systematic review and expert consensus, i…
• A science-backed checklist spots sepsis treatment gaps early • Helps Chinese hospitals save more lives right now • Still needs real-world …
Frontiers May 6, 2026
Sepsis survivors face high readmission, mortality, and long-term impairments
Emergency Medicine Meta-analysis
Sepsis survivors face high readmission, mortality, and long-term impairments Sepsis survivors face high readmission and death rates
A meta-analysis of 76 studies found that sepsis survivors have a 44% readmission rate at 1 year and rising mortality, with persistent cognit…
One year after sepsis, 44% of survivors are readmitted and 15% die within a month.
May 3, 2026
Procalcitonin-guided care in sepsis shows no difference in early antibiotic initiation but lower 28-day mortality
Infectious Disease RCT
Procalcitonin-guided care in sepsis shows no difference in early antibiotic initiation but lower 28-day mortality A simple test in emergency rooms may lower death rates for sepsis patients
This phase 3 randomised controlled trial in 7667 patients with suspected sepsis across 20 English and Welsh emergency departments compared p…
A new test used to guide treatment for sepsis in emergency rooms lowered death rates without changing how quickly antibiotics were given.
May 2, 2026
Meta-analysis shows association between adequate antimicrobial therapy and reduced hospital length of stay
Infectious Disease Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis shows association between adequate antimicrobial therapy and reduced hospital length of stay Right Antibiotic Choice Cuts Hospital Stay by Nearly Two Weeks
This meta-analysis of 4158 adult hospitalised patients examines the relationship between adequate empirical antibiotic therapy and clinical …
Choosing the right antibiotic from the start can cut a hospital stay by nearly two weeks for adults with serious infections.
May 2, 2026
Selective decontamination of the digestive tract reduces hospital mortality in mechanically ventilated ICU adults
Emergency Medicine Meta-analysis
Selective decontamination of the digestive tract reduces hospital mortality in mechanically ventilated ICU adults Selective decontamination lowers death risk for ICU patients on ventilators
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) versus standard care or placebo in…
A massive analysis of 32 studies shows selective decontamination of the digestive tract lowers hospital death rates for adults on ventilator…
NEJM Evid May 1, 2026
Narrative review on multi-omic technologies for pediatric sepsis biomarker discovery
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Narrative review on multi-omic technologies for pediatric sepsis biomarker discovery Multi-omic technologies may transform pediatric sepsis care from empiric treatment to precision medicine
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on multi-omic technologies and computational biology for pediatric sepsis biomarker discovery.
A review suggests multi-omic technologies could shift pediatric sepsis care from empiric treatment to precision medicine.
Frontiers May 1, 2026
Narrative review of Shenfu Injection for sepsis-induced gastrointestinal injury and septic shock
Infectious Disease Meta-analysis
Narrative review of Shenfu Injection for sepsis-induced gastrointestinal injury and septic shock A Chinese herbal therapy may protect the gut during septic shock
This narrative review examines Shenfu Injection for sepsis-induced acute gastrointestinal injury and septic shock.
A traditional Chinese herbal blend may help protect the gut during septic shock, offering a new angle on a deadly complication that often go…
Frontiers May 1, 2026
Active sepsis prevention program reduces maternal infection-related complications in Malawi and Uganda
Infectious Disease RCT
Active sepsis prevention program reduces maternal infection-related complications in Malawi and Uganda New program cuts deadly infections in mothers by 32%
This cluster-randomized trial in Malawi and Uganda involving 431,394 women found that an Active Prevention and Treatment of Maternal Sepsis …
A low-cost hospital program in Africa cut life-threatening infections in pregnant women by more than 30%, offering hope for safer childbirth…
Apr 30, 2026
Sarcopenia in older patients with sepsis is associated with specific plasma metabolomic changes
Rheumatology Cohort
Sarcopenia in older patients with sepsis is associated with specific plasma metabolomic changes Metabolic changes link muscle loss to sepsis in older adults
In this prospective observational cohort study of 84 older patients with sepsis, researchers identified significant differences in plasma me…
New findings show how specific chemical changes in the blood connect muscle wasting to severe infections in older patients.
Frontiers Apr 30, 2026
Systematic review identifies dual role of NLRP3 inflammasome in sepsis induced immune dysregulation
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Systematic review identifies dual role of NLRP3 inflammasome in sepsis induced immune dysregulation NLRP3 activation plays a dual role in sepsis
This systematic review examines the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and modulation in sepsis.
A review of research shows that a specific protein complex helps drive both inflammation and immune suppression during sepsis.
Frontiers Apr 30, 2026
Large language models show varying accuracy for data extraction in sepsis guidelines
Emergency Medicine Guideline
Large language models show varying accuracy for data extraction in sepsis guidelines AI models show promise for extracting sepsis study data
This study evaluated the performance of large language models, including ChatGPT-4o, Claude 3 Sonnet, and Gemini 1.5 Pro, for data extractio…
New tests show AI can help pull patient details from medical papers, but extracting clinical results remains a major challenge.
Frontiers Apr 30, 2026
Narrative review examines multimorbidity impact on sepsis morbidity and mortality outcomes
Cardiology Sys. Review
Narrative review examines multimorbidity impact on sepsis morbidity and mortality outcomes Sepsis Risk Skyrockets When You Have Multiple Chronic Conditions
This narrative review synthesizes evidence regarding sepsis in patients with multimorbidity including type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
Common chronic diseases like diabetes and heart failure create hidden traps that make sepsis much harder to fight and treat.
Frontiers Apr 29, 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 →