Study: Obese patients more likely to survive from sepsis

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Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System found an obesity paradox among older patients suffering from sepsis. The study, which was published in the August issue of Critical Care Medicine, observed 1,404 Medicare beneficiaries and found that heavier patients had higher rates of survival from the life-threatening condition that may require a stay in the intensive care unit.

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The study’s aim was to look into the association of body mass index to survival, health care use, and functional deficiencies after hospitalization due to sepsis. Sepsis cases have doubled in the last 15 years, thus leading to an increase in research efforts and Medicare spending.

The findings run contrary to the belief held by many physicians that obese patients will do poorly when faced with such a condition. Unfortunately, this belief may affect the care and counseling that doctors provide to patients and their families. The study, however, is expected to reverse this with proof that obese patients suffering from sepsis actually have lower mortality rates and similar functional outcomes as patients with normal weight.

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Still, the authors of the study noted that maintaining a normal weight is linked to many health benefits. The findings, however, do suggest that the body may respond differently to critical illnesses when it has excess weight. A better understanding of this phenomenon is important to health care providers to find ways to improve care for patients with sepsis and other critical illnesses.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonology and critical care medicine. For more articles about critical care, visit this Facebook page.