Basic research and clinical progress of sepsis-associated encephalopathy

Ying Huang; Ruman Chen; Lai Jiang; Siyuan Li; Yuchen Xue

doi:10.1016/j.jointm.2021.08.002

Basic research and clinical progress of sepsis-associated encephalopathy

J Intensive Med. 2021 Sep 24;1(2):90-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jointm.2021.08.002. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Authors

Ying Huang¹, Ruman Chen², Lai Jiang¹, Siyuan Li¹, Yuchen Xue¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xin-Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
² Department of Blood Purification, Hainan General Hospital Affiliated to Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China.

Abstract

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), a major cerebral complication of sepsis, occurs in 70% of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). This condition can cause serious impairment of consciousness and is associated with a high mortality rate. Thus far, several experimental screenings and radiological techniques (e.g., electroencephalography) have been used for the non-invasive assessment of the structure and function of the brain in patients with SAE. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of SAE is complicated and remains unclear. In the present article, we reviewed the currently available literature on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathology, diagnosis, and management of SAE. However, currently, there is no ideal pharmacological treatment for SAE. Treatment targeting mitochondrial dysfunction may be useful in the management of SAE.

Keywords: Cerebral microvasculature damage; Long-term cognitive dysfunction; Sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

Publication types

Review