Impact of Antibiotic Timing on ICU Stay Duration in Sepsis Patients: A Retrospective Study (Code-T0059)

Introduction: Sepsis and septic shock are critical conditions associated with high mortality rates. Early recognition and timely administration of antibiotics are vital to improving patient outcomes. This study explores the impact of antibiotic timing on the duration of ICU stay in sepsis patients.

Aim and Objective: To assess the effect of antibiotic administration timing on the length of ICU stay in patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 320 patients admitted to the Multidisciplinary ICU or High Dependency Unit from the Emergency Room over 6 months. Of these, 120 patients were identified with suspected sepsis or septic shock. Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, timing of antibiotic administration, and ICU stay duration. The mean time to antibiotic initiation was recorded, and the correlation with ICU stay duration was analyzed.

Results: The mean time to antibiotic administration was 75 minutes for patients with suspected sepsis and 68 minutes for those in septic shock. The average ICU stay was significantly shorter in patients who received antibiotics within 60 minutes (mean 8.5 days) compared to those who received antibiotics later (mean 12.3 days). Respiratory symptoms were the leading cause of sepsis, with diabetes mellitus being the most common comorbidity.

Conclusion: Early antibiotic administration in sepsis patients significantly reduces ICU stay duration, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment in improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Sepsis, Antibiotics, ICU Stay, Septic Shock, Emergency, Timely Treatment