Septic and Critical Conditions in Children Admitted to Intensive Care Unit. Clinical Profile, Early Diagnosis, and Prognosis // Септични и критични състояния при деца, лекувани в интензивно отделение: клиничен профил, ранна диагностика и прогноза

Recognition of sepsis in children remains insufficiently studied and is a leading cause of mortality. This thesis examines the clinical profile and outcomes of paediatric patients with septic and critical conditions in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and evaluates approaches for early diagnosis. The most affected age group is 13–48 months, with lower respiratory tract infections as the primary cause of sepsis, while intoxications predominate in non-infectious SIRS cases. The study found that over 40% of cases were microbiologically confirmed, with Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus as the leading pathogens. A comparative analysis of prognostic scoring systems demonstrated that the Phoenix Sepsis Score outperforms PRISM III, PELOD-2, and pSOFA in sensitivity and specificity for predicting sepsis and associated complications. CRP and PCT remain key diagnostic markers, though their specificity is limited. Innovative biomarkers such as presepsin and sMR show potential for earlier disease recognition, but further research is required. Standardised protocols integrating microbiological and biochemical methods are needed to improve survival and reduce clinical deterioration in critically ill children. Future research should focus on developing and validating novel biomarkers that enhance existing diagnostic methods and enable more precise risk stratification.

Grantor dc:publisher

Medical University of Varna

Year dc:date

2025

Authors dc:creator

• Hadzhieva-Hristova, Adriana
• Хаджиева-Христова, Адриана

• sepsis
• paediatric intensive care unit
• infections
• clinical deterioration
• Педиатрия / Paediatrics

Repository record dc:identifier

http://repository.mu-varna.bg/handle/nls/4112

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.mu-varna.bg:nls/4112