Severe anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders worsen prognosis in patients with septic shock

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed that patients with septic shock and acute skin failure (ASF) exhibit significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, lactate, and C-reactive protein, along with elevated skin mottling score; modified early warning score (MEWS); and anxiety, depression, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores compared to those without ASF. Notably, these indicators are significantly correlated. Patients with septic shock accompanied by ASF tend to have a mean MEWS greater than 9, indicating severe disease progression. Therefore, it is essential to not only manage septic shock but also mitigate anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and disturbances of consciousness. This article explores the impact of severe anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders on the prognosis of septic shock and discusses intervention strategies.

Keywords: Septic shock; Poor prognosis; Anxiety; Depression; Sleep disorders; Inflammatory cytokines; Acute skin failure; Psychological interventions; Mortality; Critical care

Core Tip: Patients with septic shock and acute skin failure (ASF) exhibited significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, lactate, and clinical severity scores compared to those without ASF, accompanied by severe anxiety and depression, as well as sleep disorders. These pathological changes are significantly correlated. Severe anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders may serve as important indicators of disease progression and poor prognosis in patients with septic shock and ASF. Psychological interventions, psychotropic medications, and meticulous nursing care for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders may improve the prognosis of patients with septic shock.