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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol.

Sec. Clinical Infectious Diseases

Volume 15 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1548370

This article is part of the Research Topic Molecular mechanisms and clinical studies of multi-organ dysfunction in sepsis associated with pathogenic microbial infection View all 6 articles

Microbiological and Clinical Predictors of Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy in Bloodstream Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Provisionally accepted
Yunhan Fei Yunhan Fei Zhaowei Hao Zhaowei Hao Xinwei Zheng Xinwei Zheng Xiang Ji Xiang Ji Wenjuan Zhao Wenjuan Zhao *
  • Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    BackgroundSepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common and severe complication of sepsis, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. The impact of specific blood-borne pathogens on SAE risk and prognosis remains unclear. This study investigates the microbiological and clinical factors associated with bloodstream infection-induced SAE.MethodsWe analyzed data from the MIMIC-IV database, including 16,141 sepsis patients who met inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into SAE and non-SAE groups for comparison. Multivariate regression identified independent risk factors for SAE and associated outcomes, including in-hospital mortality.ResultsCoagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) was identified as a key microbial risk factor for SAE (HR=1.919, P<0.001), though it was not associated with in-hospital mortality. Higher SOFA scores, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged antibiotic use significantly increased SAE risk. Laboratory tests revealed higher white blood cell counts, platelet levels, and metabolic abnormalities in SAE patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was linked to increased mortality in SAE patients (HR=3.423, P<0.001).ConclusionCoagulase-negative staphylococci is a significant risk factor for SAE development, but not for mortality. Advanced age, female gender, higher SOFA scores, and mechanical ventilation further contribute to SAE risk. Early identification and targeted management of pathogens, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , are crucial for improving SAE outcomes.

    Keywords: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Microbial risk factors, In-hospital mortality, cohort study

    Received: 19 Dec 2024; Accepted: 14 Feb 2025.

    Copyright: © 2025 Fei, Hao, Zheng, Ji and Zhao. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Wenjuan Zhao, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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