The Global Impact of Sepsis: Epidemiology, Recognition, Management, and Health System Challenges

Background: Sepsis constitutes a major healthcare burden worldwide, with an estimated 48.9 million incident cases and 11.0 million deaths in 2017, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all global deaths. Even with advances in definitions and guidelines, significant inequalities persist in awareness, early treatment, and health system readiness. Methods: We performed a structured narrative review of epidemiology studies, clinical case definitions, diagnostic approaches, stewardship interventions, and health system reports. Both electronic sources (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus) and grey literature (World Health Organization [WHO], National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], Society Critical Care [SSC]) were explored. Evidence incorporated themes were organized across recognition, diagnostics, antimicrobial therapy, organ support, guidelines, and health system determinants. Results: Measurement tools, including quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), exhibited suboptimal sensitivity and utility in varied clinical environments. Biomarkers (procalcitonin, presepsin, CD64) and rapid molecular diagnostics, including metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and AI-based devices, enhance detection but are limited by cost and infrastructure constraints. Each hour of delay in antibiotic therapy is associated with a 6–10% increased risk of mortality, underscoring the importance of stewardship, including the incorporation of empiric regimens with rapid de-escalation. Health system bottlenecks—human resources, funding, infrastructure—continue to be a significant determinant of outcomes, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: Attaining the 2030 WHO targets for sepsis involves precision diagnostics, adaptable guidelines, stewardship frameworks, and resilient health systems. Fair application and resource allocation are crucial to lower the incidence and mortality worldwide.