Skip to main content

menu

Pediatric Severe Sepsis Project

A population-based approach to examine sepsis-related racial disparities in children

Background

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood, with Black children experiencing higher mortality rates and worse outcomes for sepsis compared to white children. The mechanism for this racial disparity represents a critical knowledge gap. The overall goal is to estimate the extent to which racial disparities exist in pediatric severe sepsis/septic shock outcomes and to understand how appraisal and help-seeking behaviors may differ by race.

Objectives

  • Estimate the extent of racial disparities in outcomes for pediatric severe sepsis and septic shock.
  • Understand how appraisal and care-seeking behaviors may differ by race

Research Methods

  • Mixed methods
  • Multi-level modeling
  • Causal inference

Implications

By estimating population rates of severe sepsis and subsequent mortality, we will identify possible mediators that may contribute to observed patterns of racial disparities in sepsis outcomes that will be investigated in future studies. We will also contextualize caregivers’ appraisal and care-seeking behavior, identifying strategies to reduce barriers, enhance trust, and improve outcomes.

Funding Statement

This project is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Collaborators

For more information, please contact: