The early recognition and management of sepsis in sub-Saharan African adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sepsis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan African adults. Standardised management pathways have been documented to improve the survival of adults with sepsis from high-resource settings. Our aim was to assess the current evidence base for early sepsis interventions (recognition, empirical antibiotics and resuscitation) in resource-poor settings of sub-Saharan Africa.

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINHAL Plus databases to identify interventional studies for the early recognition and management of sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa (1st January 2000 to 1st August 2018) using a protocol-driven search strategy: adults, protocolised care pathway and sub-Saharan Africa.

We identified 725 publications of which three met criteria for final selection. Meta-analysis from two randomised controlled trials demonstrated that mortality was increased by ‘early goal directed therapy’ interventions that increased fluid resuscitation (R.R. 1·26, 95% C.I. 1·00 – 1·58, p=0·045; I2 53%). The third observational cohort study demonstrated improved survival after implementation of protocolised management for sepsis (mortality 33·0% vs. 45·7%, p=0·005). No study incorporated standardised protocols for empirical antibiotic administration. High rates of pneumonia and mycobacteraemia were reported.

There has been little research into the early recognition and management of sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa. Interventional trials of early goal directed therapy have, to date, increased mortality. There is an urgent need to develop effective strategies to improve outcomes for adults with sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa.