Table 1.

Criteria used for determining sepsis related, possibly sepsis related and non-sepsis related cause of death

Sepsis related death: all three statements apply

Within 14 days of sepsis episode

Significant OR confirmed infectious changes on radiology OR microbiology within 3 days of index episode

Treated with intravenous antibiotics at the time of index episode

Possibly sepsis related death: at least three out of the six statements apply

Within 30 days of the sepsis episode while in-patient

Significant infection related laboratory results within 3 days of the index episode (CRP/WCC)

Administration of multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics (intravenous or oral)

Clinical symptoms convincing of infective origin (SIRS 3 or more) within 3 days of the index episode

Unclear/unavailable data on infection on radiology OR microbiology

Cause of death is “Sepsis”, “Pneumonia” or other infectious origin on death certificate

Non-sepsis related death: Statements 1 AND 2 PLUS either 3 OR 4 apply

No infective changes on laboratory AND radiology investigations AND negative microbiology

Newly discovered OR progression of advanced malignancy (T4 and above) on radiology or pathology

Death after 30 days of the index episode if points 1 AND 2 apply AND previous limitations on level of care in place at the time of index episode

Death after hospital discharge following the index episode if points 1 AND 2 apply OR Cause of death is non-infectious on the death certificate

CRP C-reactive protein, WCC white cell count