New University Of Arizona Research Looks At Challenges Of Treating Sepsis Patients

Published: Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 12:33pm
Updated: Thursday, October 10, 2019 - 11:24am
Audio icon Download mp3 (7.62 MB)

New research from the University of Arizona College of Medicine could reduce the number of deaths from sepsis, a life-threatening infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 1.7 million adults are diagnosed with sepsis each year. One in five patients don’t survive. 

Now, a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that initial blood tests done after antibiotics are given are unreliable, suggesting emergency room doctors delay treatment until after drawing a blood sample.

The Show spoke with the co-author of the study, Murtaza Akhter, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Phoenix. Dr. Akhter is also an attending physician at Maricopa Integrated Health System, now known as Valleywise Health.

More Stories From KJZZ

Education Science The Show