Chronic Critical Illness in Patients With Sepsis is Associated With Persistent Anemia, Inflammation, and Impaired Functional Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction Survivors of sepsis will progress towards rapid recovery (RAP) or enter a state of persistent organ dysfunction and chronic critical illness (CCI). Independently, anemia is known to be a significant factor in functional recovery of hospitalized patients. This study aims to analyze long-term hemoglobin levels and functional outcomes following RAP and CCI. Methods A prospective, cohort study was performed in septic patients who were stratified into RAP (N = 54) with ICU length of stay < 14 days or CCI (N = 63) with ICU length of stay > 14 days. CBC and plasma inflammatory markers were measured on the day of enrollment, weekly until day 42, then at 3 and 6 months. Functional outcomes using Zubrod scale, gait speed test, and total short physical performance battery (SPPB) were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results Mean age was 59 years (range: 20-83) and 62% were male. Hemoglobin was significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months in CCI compared to RAP (8.9* and 9.2* vs 10.4 and 11.1 g/dL), despite receiving significantly more red blood cell transfusions. CCI patients had persistent elevation of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α. CCI patients had worse functional outcome with a significantly higher Zubrod score, and lower SPPB, and gait speed score at 3, 6, and 12 months. Conclusion Despite receiving more pRBC transfusions, CCI patients had a persistent anemia that was associated with chronic systemic inflammation and poor functional outcomes six months following sepsis. Alleviating prolonged inflammation could improve persistent anemia and functional outcomes in CCI patients.