Objective
To evaluate the utility of BE variation in mortality in severe sepsis (S) and septic shock (SS).
Methods
A prospectively collected database was retrieved for BE at days 1 and 3 (D1 and D3), APACHE II, lactate, creatinine, albumin, and mortality at 28 days. Patients with S or SS were included, except if renal failure was diagnosed at D1 (creatinine> 3.5 mg/dl; diuresis< 500 ml). Patients were classified as increased (less acidosis) BE vs decreased BE, based on the difference between D1 and D3.
Results
Forty patients had a mean (±standard deviation) age of 48.4 (±19.8) years, and an APACHE II score of 19.6 (±9.1). At D1 and day 14, 20% and 65% of patients were in SS, respectively. Table 1 summarizes the main findings. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that only the APACHE II score (odds ratio 1.114) and a decreasing BE from D1 to D3 (odds ratio 5.687) were independent predictors of mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curves are shown in Figure 1.