The study investigates the epidemiology of sepsis in the United States from 1979 to 2000, focusing on demographic differences, causative organisms, patient disposition, and outcomes. Using data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey, the researchers identified 10,319,418 cases of sepsis over the 22-year period. Key findings include: 1. **Demographics**: Sepsis was more common among men (mean annual relative risk, 1.28) and nonwhite persons (mean annual relative risk, 1.90) compared to women and white persons, respectively. 2. **Incidence**: The annual incidence of sepsis increased by 8.7% from 164,000 cases in 1979 to nearly 660,000 cases in 2000. Gram-positive bacteria became the predominant pathogens after 1987. 3. **Causative Organisms**: Fungal infections increased by 207%, while gram-negative bacteria were the predominant cause before 1987. 4. **Patient Disposition**: The rate of discharge to nonacute care medical facilities increased from 16.8% to 31.8%, and the average length of hospital stay decreased. 5. **Mortality**: Despite a decline in overall in-hospital mortality from 27.8% to 17.9%, the number of sepsis-related deaths nearly tripled, from 43,579 to 120,491. 6. **Organ Failure**: The proportion of patients with organ failure increased over time, contributing cumulatively to mortality. Organ failure had a significant impact on mortality, with patients with three or more failing organs having a higher mortality rate. The study highlights significant racial and gender disparities in sepsis incidence and outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research and targeted interventions to address these inequalities.The study investigates the epidemiology of sepsis in the United States from 1979 to 2000, focusing on demographic differences, causative organisms, patient disposition, and outcomes. Using data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey, the researchers identified 10,319,418 cases of sepsis over the 22-year period. Key findings include: 1. **Demographics**: Sepsis was more common among men (mean annual relative risk, 1.28) and nonwhite persons (mean annual relative risk, 1.90) compared to women and white persons, respectively. 2. **Incidence**: The annual incidence of sepsis increased by 8.7% from 164,000 cases in 1979 to nearly 660,000 cases in 2000. Gram-positive bacteria became the predominant pathogens after 1987. 3. **Causative Organisms**: Fungal infections increased by 207%, while gram-negative bacteria were the predominant cause before 1987. 4. **Patient Disposition**: The rate of discharge to nonacute care medical facilities increased from 16.8% to 31.8%, and the average length of hospital stay decreased. 5. **Mortality**: Despite a decline in overall in-hospital mortality from 27.8% to 17.9%, the number of sepsis-related deaths nearly tripled, from 43,579 to 120,491. 6. **Organ Failure**: The proportion of patients with organ failure increased over time, contributing cumulatively to mortality. Organ failure had a significant impact on mortality, with patients with three or more failing organs having a higher mortality rate. The study highlights significant racial and gender disparities in sepsis incidence and outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research and targeted interventions to address these inequalities.