Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation that damages its tissues and organs. This can lead to organ failure and, in severe cases, death. Sepsis Survival Week, observed annually in the second week of February, highlights the urgent need for awareness, prevention and early intervention.
GlobalData’s sepsis epidemiology forecast sheds light on the future burden of this critical threat. The latest report forecasts an increase in the diagnosed incident cases of sepsis and septic shock in the eight major markets (8MM: China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the US) from approximately 7.7 million in 2024 to more than 9.5 million cases by 2033
Understanding the key risk factors and potential challenges of managing the disease will help healthcare providers and policymakers take action to improve survival rates and reduce the impact of sepsis.
Drug-resistant bacteria make infections harder to treat
Several factors are contributing to the increasing incidence of sepsis and septic shock. GlobalData epidemiologists have identified ageing populations as one factor, since older adults have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to infections that can lead to sepsis. With global life expectancy rising, the at-risk population for sepsis will grow. The rise of drug-resistant bacteria makes infections harder to treat and increases the likelihood of progression to sepsis. GlobalData’s forecast also shows that in each of the 8MM, a significant number of cases of sepsis and septic shock were caused by Gram-negative bacteria, which tend to be more resistant than Gram-positive bacteria.
Among other risk factors that contribute to the burden of sepsis is the increasing number of people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular or kidney problems – co-morbid conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe infection. People on immunosuppressive therapies, such as cancer patients or organ transplant recipients, are also at an increased risk. Severe viral infections such as Covid-19 or influenza can contribute to worse outcomes, such as progression to sepsis. Healthcare inequalities also play a role in the increasing number of incident cases. Limited access to quality healthcare, particularly in low-income and rural areas, results in untreated infections that can lead to higher sepsis mortality rates.
Addressing these factors through better infection control, early detection and public health interventions is critical in improving sepsis survival rates and limiting its long-term consequences such as chronic fatigue, pain, amputation or long-lasting organ damage. Reducing the burden of sepsis will save lives and alleviate the economic burdens on healthcare systems, families and caregivers. Sepsis is preventable with better infection control and timely treatment.
