Two new articles by ESA on Critical Care zoom into the results of the European Sepsis Care Survey

Prof. Artigas (left) and Prof. Giamarellos, amongst the main authors of the articles.

Two important studies published in Critical Care this summer are casting fresh light on how European hospitals respond to sepsis, drawing on data from the European Sepsis Care Survey (ESCS). The papers explore two critical dimensions: the uneven state of blood culture diagnostics across the continent, and the impact of a pioneering regional action plan in Catalonia, Spain.

Blood Cultures: Europe’s Uneven Diagnostic Backbone

The first article, “Infrastructure and current practice of blood culture diagnostics in patients with sepsis: teachings and recommendations from the European Sepsis Care Survey”, highlights alarming disparities in the way hospitals perform blood cultures—the essential test to identify the pathogens driving infection.

The authors found that many European hospitals lack standardized protocols, adequate laboratory capacity, and efficient turnaround times. These gaps mean that clinicians often face delays in diagnosing sepsis accurately and prescribing life-saving antibiotics. The article calls for quality measures across Europe towards the implementation of bundles for early sepsis recognition, antibiotic stewardship for sepsis patients and availability of a continuous microbiology service on a 24-hour basis, including weekends, for timely diagnosis.

Catalonia: A Regional Model of Success

The second study, “Regional sepsis care in Catalonia: comparative insights from a secondary analysis of the European Sepsis Care Survey”, offers a contrasting story of success.

Catalonia’s Código Sepsis, introduced in 2015, established standardised protocols, screening tools, and training programs across hospitals. The results speak volumes. Ninety-five percent of Catalan emergency departments reported sepsis screening programmes, compared with just over half in the EU. General wards also outperformed the European average (80% versus 45%). Importantly, Catalan hospitals were far more likely to track critical quality indicators, such as time-to-antibiotics, demonstrating a clear focus on early intervention.

These advances have translated into reduced mortality and better outcomes for patients, proving that coordinated regional strategies can make a measurable difference.

A Shared Message: Invest in Early Detection

While the two studies highlight different angles, their conclusion converges: early detection saves lives. Europe must prioritize investment in diagnostic infrastructure, standardised screening protocols, and education for healthcare providers. From emergency rooms to general wards, frontline staff need the tools and training to recognise sepsis at its earliest stages and act without delay.