ObjectiveIn the intensive care unit (ICU), sepsis is a leading cause of mortality, and survivors frequently experience serious long-term sequelae. In addition to identifying risk variables influencing post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), this study sought to present comprehensive data on the three-month prognostic and functional outcomes of sepsis patients in the ICU-a demographic frequently overlooked in long-term recovery discourse.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in the intensive care units of Jining Medical University Affiliated Hospital between April 2024 and July 2025, enrolling patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock. Follow-up assessments were conducted one and three months post-discharge via telephone or outpatient visits. The frequency of each dimension in PICS and PSS was investigated, alongside patients' health-related quality of life. Risk factors for the two syndromes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and stepwise multiple linear regression.ResultsSepsis survivors included in the one- and three-month follow-ups totaled 147 and 132, respectively. PICS and PSS had overall respective prevalence rates of 93.2-98.6% and 61.4-77.6%. Multivariable analyses revealed that body mass index (BMI), red blood cell (RBC) count, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), and globulin levels were independent predictors for PSS. For PICS severity, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk score, bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels, and specific infection sites were identified as independent predictors. Sepsis survivors' quality of life improves over the three months following discharge; however, PICS and PSS maintain a high prevalence, with a notable symptom overlap between the two syndromes. Clinicians must be mindful of specific in-hospital risk factors to tailor post-discharge care.ConclusionThis study highlights the profound and persistent risks for ICU sepsis survivors. The results indicate that early multidisciplinary intervention is necessary, which may potentially reduce long-term sequelae and improve recovery trajectories.
Keywords: follow-up studies; intensive care units; morbidity; post-intensive care syndrome; post-sepsis syndrome; sepsis.