Langzeitfolgen der Sepsis

Abstract

Although life or death may constitute an objective and relevant outcome after sepsis and intensive care, increasingly more research is being focused on patient-oriented, subjective indices associated with long-term survival and sequelae after hospitalization. Herein achieved or achievable health-related quality of life of patients after intensive care therapy is considered an important parameter. Research aimed towards health-related quality of life after intensive care has gained more recognition in recent years, and the instruments and methods have improved considerably. Although the number of publications have also increased, a number of important aspects still remain vague. For example, very little is known about the consequences of severe illness and associated intensive care therapy on patients' mental well-being. Among others, depression, fear, and cognitive limitations are considered frequent sequelae after intensive care and may be associated with both significant physical and psychological constraints in the long term. © 2009 Spinger.