Do you provide care in an Emergency Department? Despite the significant risk of morbidity and mortality from severe sepsis, adequate initial therapy is initiated for fewer than 58% of patients.18

We’re asking you to commit to treating your patients by following the BC Emergency Department Sepsis Guidelines.

  • Know the warning signs for sepsis, identify patients exhibiting signs of sepsis early, and triage them appropriately.
  • Measure the lactate of patients with sepsis within 3 hours of presentation to triage and test again within 2-4 hours if the initial result is greater than 2mmol/L.
  • Draw a blood culture prior to administering antibiotics and complete a crystalloid fluid bolus (30cc/kg) within first three hours.

You are not alone. You’ll be joining health care providers from across BC who have already committed to implementing the BC Sepsis Guidelines in their emergency departments and measuring their results.

Help us deliver the best care for our patients.

Our vision is to reduce sepsis morbidity and mortality rates throughout BC by identifying sepsis patients early, using best clinical practices, and achieving seamless transitions of care.

BEST CARE, NO MATTER WHERE.

Emergency Department Guidelines

All patients with two out of four SIRS (heart rate greater than 90, respiratory rate greater than 20, temperature greater or equal to 38 ⁰ C or less than 36⁰ C, altered mental state) and suspected infection and one of the following risk factors should be considered at risk of sepsis:

  • Looks unwell
  • Age greater than 65 years
  • Recent surgery
  • Immunocompromised (AIDS, chemotherapy, neutropenia, asplenia, transplant, chronic steroids)
  • Chronic illness (diabetes, renal failure, hepatic failure, cancer, alcoholism, IV drug use)

All patients with two out of four SIRS and suspected infection (with above risk factor):

  • Venous lactate measurement within 3 hours of presentation to triage
  • If initial lactate is greater than 2mmol/L, repeat venous lactate measurement in next 2-4 hours

For adults in SHOCK (SBP less than 90 mmHg and/or MAP less than 65 mmHg) with POSSIBLE infectious cause (septic shock) or a HIGH likelihood of sepsis:

  • Blood culture before IV antibiotics
  • Broad spectrum IV antibiotics within 1 hour
  • Selection of broad-spectrum antibiotics, including MRSA, MDRO and fungal coverage, should be based on local antibiograms and clinical indication (see SSCG 2021)
  • Empiric antimicrobials should be discontinued if an alternative cause of illness is demonstrated or strongly suspected

For adults NOT in SHOCK (systolic less than 90 or MAP less than 65 mmHg) with POSSIBLE sepsis, we suggest a time-limited course of rapid investigation and if concern for infection persists:

  • Blood culture before IV antibiotics
  • Broad spectrum IV antibiotics within 3 hours
  • Administer at least 30 mL/kg of balanced crystalloid within first 3 hours of resuscitation if evidence of hypoperfusion (tachycardia, low urine output, acute kidney injury, elevated lactate, etc)

For adults with a LOW LIKELIHOOD of infection and NOT in shock, we suggest deferring antimicrobials while continuing to closely monitor the patient.

Download the Guidelines:

Learn More

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British Columbia Sepsis Guidelines 2022 Webinar

Our BC Sepsis Network and the BC Emergency Medicine Network held a webinar about the most recent sepsis updates in BC! David Sweet, our Clinical Lead for sepsis, led this session. Objectives: 1. Review updates from Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines 2021. 2. Learn about recent successes and future endeavours of the BC Sepsis Network / Sepsis quality improvement in BC. Resources: About David Sweet Dr. David Sweet completed fellowship positions in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He is an attending in Critical Care Medicine at Vancouver General Hospital, a member of the Department of Emergency…
Watch Now British Columbia Sepsis Guidelines 2022 Webinar

The provincial Sepsis Clinical Expert Group developed the BC Emergency Department Sepsis Guidelines, taking into account the most up-to-date literature (references below) and expert opinion.

Additional Recommendations and Resources for Emergency Department Sepsis

For adults with septic shock and an ongoing requirement for significant vasopressor therapy (greater than 4 hours or expected to be greater than 4 hours) we suggest using IV hydrocortisone at a dose of 50 mg IV q6h.

  • Early investigations to determine infectious source (radiologic, surgical, other cultures i.e. CSF, joint aspiration) and early source control within 6-12 hours through appropriate consultation and using the least invasive technique.
  • Consult ICU early (either locally or through the BC Patient Transfer Network) if you suspect the patient will need higher level of care.
  • We suggest guiding resuscitation to decrease serum lactate in patients with elevated lactate level, over not using serum lactate.
  • Lactate should be rechecked every 2-4 hours during resuscitation. An elevated lactate, or failure to clear lactate does not necessarily imply the patient needs IV fluid. Patients should be assessed for fluid responsiveness, need for vasopressors/inotropes or further imaging. We suggest using capillary refill time to guide resuscitation as an adjunct to other measures of perfusion.
  • For adults with sepsis or septic shock who require ICU admission, we suggest admitting the patients to the ICU within 6 hours

If hypotensive despite fluid bolus (30 cc/kg) we suggest:

  • Initiate norepinephrine targeting mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mm Hg. We suggest starting norepinephrine peripherally (in or proximal to the antecubital fossa) to restore mean arterial pressure rather than delaying initiation until a central venous access is secured. Peripheral access sites running vasopressors should be checked every hour. Local protocols for extravasation management should be established. Central access and intra-arterial monitoring should be obtained within 6 hours.
  • For further assessment of fluid resuscitation, we suggest using dynamic measures over physical examination or static parameters alone.
  • For adults unable to obtain a MAP greater than 65 mmHg with 15 ug/min or 0.25 ug/kg/min of norepinephrine we suggested adding vasopressin 0.03 units/minute fixed dose (or 1.8 units/hr).

Vasopressin should not be infused through peripheral IVs.

  • For adults with septic shock and inadequate mean arterial pressure levels despite norepinephrine and vasopressin, we suggest adding epinephrine. Norepinephrine and epinephrine may be infused through peripheral IVs for up to 6 hours.
  • Using further hemodynamic assessment (such as assessing cardiac function) to determine the type of shock if the physical exam does not lead to a clear diagnosis.
  • Using dobutamine and norepinephrine OR epinephrine as needed if evidence of sepsis induced myocardial suppression (determined by ECHO, low ScvO2 or physical exam). Continue to assess response.
  1. Bozza F, Carnevale R, Japiassu M, et al. Early Fluid Resuscitation in Sepsis: Evidence and Perspectives. Shock. 2010; 34: Supplement 1: 40-43.
  2. El Sohl A, Akinnusi M, Alsawalha L, et al. Outcomes of Septic Shock in Older Adults After Implementation of the Sepsis “Bundle”. J Am Ger Soc. 2008; 56:272-278.
  3. Funk D. & Kumar A. Antimicrobial Therapy for Life-threatening Infections: Speed is Life. Crit Care Clin. 2011; 27: 53–76.
  4. Jones A, Shapiro N, & Roshon M. Implementing Early Goal Directed Therapy in the Emergency Setting: The Challenges and Experiences of Translating Research Innovations into Clinical Reality in Academic and Community Settings. Acad Emerg Med. 2007; 14(11):1072-1078.
  5. Jones A, Shapiro N, Trzeciak S, et al. Lactate Clearance Vs. Central Venous Oxygen Saturation as Goals for Early Sepsis Therapy: A randomized clinical trial. 2010; 303(8):739-746.
  6. Khowaja, Asif Raza PhD, et al. The Return on Investment of a Province-Wide Quality Improvement Initiative for Reducing In-Hospital Sepsis Rates and Mortality in British Columbia, Canada, Critical Care Medicine: September 29, 2021 – Volume – Issue -doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000005353Kumar A,
  7. Zarychanski R, Light B, et al. Early combination antibiotic therapy yields improved survival compared with monotherapy in septic shock: A propensity-matched analysis. Crit Care Med. 2010; 38(9): 1773-1785.
  8. Levy M, Dellinger R, Townsend S, et al. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign: Results of an international guidelinebased performance improvement program targeting severe sepsis. Crit Care Med. 2010; 38 (2):1-8.
  9. Nee P. Critical Care in the Emergency Department: Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock. J Emerg Med. 2006; 23: 713-717.
  10. Nguyen B, Oh J, Otero R, et al. Standardization of Severe Sepsis Management: A Survey of Methodologies in Academic and Community Settings. J Emerg Med. 2010; 38(2):122–132.
  11. Otero R, Nguyen B, Huang D, et al. Early Goal Directed Therapy in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Revisited: Concepts, Controversies and Contemporary Findings. 2006; 130:1579-1595.
  12. Rivers E. Point: Adherence to Early Goal Directed Therapy: Does it Really Matter? Yes. After a Decade, the Scientific Proof Speaks for Itself. 2010; 138:476-480
  13. Rivers E. & Ahrens T. Improving Outcomes for Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: Tools for Early Identification of At-Risk Patients and Treatment Protocol Implementation. Crit Care Clin. 2008; 23:S1–S47.
  14. Shapiro N, Howell M, Talmor D, et al. Lactate as a Predictor of Mortality in Emergency Department Patients With Infection. Anls Emerg Med. 2005; 45(5): 524-528.
  15. Sweet D, Jaswal D, Fu W, et al. Effect of an emergency department sepsis protocol on the care of septic patients admitted to the intensive care unit. 2010; 12(5): 414-420.

GUIDELINE REFERENCES

  1. Arnold RC, Shapiro NI, Jones AE, et al. Multi-center study of early lactate clearance as a determinant of survival in patients with presumed sepsis. Shock. 2009;32(1):35-39.
  2. Evans, Laura; et al. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2021, Critical Care Medicine: November 2021 – Volume 49 – Issue 11 – p 1063-1143doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000005337
  3. Gacoulin A, Tulzo Y, Lavoue S, et al. Severe pneumonia due to Legionella pneumonphilia: Prognostic factors, impact on delayed appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Intensive Care Med. 2002; 28:686-691.
  4. Gaieski DF, Mikkelsen ME, Band RA, et al. Impact of time to antibiotics on survival in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock in whom early goal-directed therapy was initiated in the emergency department. Crit Care Med. 2010; 38(4):1045-1053.
  5. Gorski, Lisa A. MS, RN, HHCNS-BC, CRNI®, FAAN; et al. Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, 8th Edition, Journal of Infusion Nursing: January/February 2021 – 44(1S) p S1-S224 doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396
  6. Kumar A, Roberts D, Wood KE, et al. Duration of hypotension before initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy is the critical determinant of survival in human septic shock. Crit Care Med. 2006; 34:1589 –1596.
  7. Loubani OM, Green RS (2015) A systematic review of extravasation and local tissue injury from administration of vasopressors through peripheral intravenous catheters and central venous catheters. J CritCare 30(3):653e9-17 doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.01.014
  8. Micek ST, Roubinian N, Heuring T, et al. Before-after study of a standardized hospital order set for the management of septic shock. Crit Care Med. 2006; 34:2707–2713.
  9. Mikkelsen ME, Gaieski DF, Goyal M, et al. Factors associated with nonadherence with early goal-directed therapy in the ED. 2010; 138(3): 551-558.
  10. Morrell M, Fraser VJ, Kollef MH. Delaying the empiric treatment of candida bloodstream infection until positive blood culture results are obtained: a potential risk factor for hospital mortality. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2005; 49:3640–3645.
  11. Nguyen H, Rivers E, Knoblich B, et al. Early lactate clearance is associated with improved out- come in severe sepsis and septic shock. Crit Care Med. 2004; 32(8):1637-1642.
  12. Rhodes A, Evans L, Alhazzani W, et al. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock: 2016. Crit Care Med 2017; 45(3).
  13. Rivers E, Nguyen B, Havstad S, et al. Early goal-directed therapy in the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock. N Engl J Med 2001: 345:1368-1377.
  14. Singer M, et al. The third international consensus definitions for sepsis and septic shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA. 2016; 315(8): 801-810.
  15. Surviving Sepsis Campaign. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: Updated Bundles in Response to New Evidence. www.survivingsepsis.org/bundles. Accessed 9 Feb. 2017.
  16. Wang HE, Shapiro NI, Angus DC, et al. National estimates of severe sepsis in United States emergency departments. Crit Care Med. 2007; 35:1928 –1936.
  17. Weinstein MP, Reller LP, Murphy JR, et al. The clinical significance of positive blood cultures: A comprehensive analysis of 500 episodes of bacteremia and fungemia in adults. I. Laboratory and epidemiologic observations. Rev Infect Dis. 1983; 5:35–53.
  18. Freund Y, Lemachatti N, Krastinova E, et al. Prognostic accuracy of Sepsis-3 criteria for in-hospital mortality among patients with suspected infection presenting to the emergency department. JAMA. 2017; 317(3):301-308.
  19. Mikkelsen ME, Gaieski DF, Goyal M, et al. Factors associated with nonadherence with early goal-directed therapy in the ED. Chest. 2010; 138(3): 551-558.