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Infectious Disease10 papers

Encephalopathy with sepsis

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) refers to brain dysfunction occurring in patients with sepsis, often manifesting as cognitive impairment and increasing mortality risk 1.

Diagnosis

  • Serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) levels may serve as a biomarker for diagnosing SAE 1.
  • Diagnostic accuracy of serum NSE for SAE requires further validation through systematic reviews and meta-analyses 1.
  • Management

  • No specific drug classes or doses for SAE management are detailed in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Focus on managing underlying sepsis with appropriate antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and source control 1.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific guidance on pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities related to SAE management is provided in the abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Evaluate serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) levels as a potential biomarker for diagnosing sepsis-associated encephalopathy 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Prioritize comprehensive sepsis management including targeted antibiotic therapy, hemodynamic stabilization, and addressing the source of infection 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion).
  • Further research is needed to establish robust diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols specifically for SAE across different patient populations 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion).
  • References

    1 Hu J, Xie S, Xia W, Huang F, Xu B, Zuo Z et al.. Meta-analysis of evaluating neuron specific enolase as a serum biomarker for sepsis-associated encephalopathy. International immunopharmacology 2024. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Meta-analysis of evaluating neuron specific enolase as a serum biomarker for sepsis-associated encephalopathy.Hu J, Xie S, Xia W, Huang F, Xu B, Zuo Z et al. International immunopharmacology (2024)

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