Rapid molecular test (SeptiFast^®) reduced time for adjustment of antibiotic treatment in comparison with conventional blood cultures in critically ill sepsis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial (preliminary results)

Background

Sepsis is the main cause of death in ICUs all over the world. Early detection of the pathogen is essential for appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Materials and methods

To evaluate the reduction in time of antimicrobial adjustment therapy in patients with sepsis comparing a rapid molecular test (SeptiFast^®) with conventional blood cultures, a randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between October 2012 and May 2013 in a cardiology hospital. Adult patients staying more than 48 hours in hospital with clinical suspicion of sepsis were included in the study. Blood samples were collected for cultures (BacT/ALERT^®) and Septifast^® test immediately prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy. Patients were allocated into two groups. In the Intervention Group (GI), Septifast^® results were communicated to the medical researcher and antimicrobials were adjusted. In the Control Group (GII), Septifast^® results were not informed and therapy adjustment was based on the blood culture. Registered in Clinical trials.gov (NCT 01450358).

Results

Forty-six patients were included, 17 in GI and 29 in GII. Key data are shown in Table 1. In GI therapy adjustment was done in 580 minutes compared with 3,007 minutes in GII (P = 0.004).

Table 1 Distribution of characteristics in the two groups

Conclusions

The rapid molecular test (SeptiFast^®) reduced the time for adjustment of antibiotic treatment in comparison with conventional blood cultures in critically ill sepsis patients.