Mortality rate and predictors of mortality of pediatric sepsis and septic shock in a Moroccan tertiary care center.

Background: Sepsis is the leading cause of child mortality worldwide. Pediatric sepsis-related mortality in Africa is estimated to be as high as 40%. We aimed to assess sepsis-related mortality and to identify predictors of mortality in pediatric sepsis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of children admitted to the PICU for sepsis or septic shock. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi version 2.3.28. Continuous variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. The Mann-Whitney Results: We enrolled 130 patients. The mean age was 32.5 months (SD: 47.12, range: 1-180). The identified infection sites were pneumonia (53.1%), central nervous system (23.8%), gastrointestinal tract (15.4%), bloodstream (4.5%), bone and joint (2.3%), and urinary tract (0.8%). Biological assessment showed the following mean values: 14,076 E/mm Conclusion: Our research assessed pediatric sepsis in Morocco, a lower-middle-income North African country. Mortality rates were higher compared to high-income countries. The pSOFA score was effective in predicting severity and mortality. Lower platelet count, vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation were identified as independent predictors of mortality.