Non-invasive imaging tests may lead to early sepsis detection

Clinicians lack methods for early detection of sepsis, a dysregulated response to infection that can result in life-threatening organ failure if treatment is delayed. New research published in The FASEB Journal reveals the potential of a non-invasive strategy that assesses blood flow through skeletal muscle.

The strategy involves imaging methods—called hyperspectral near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy—commonly used at the bedside to monitor tissue conditions. In experiments conducted in rodents, use of these methods together detected signs of sepsis in the skeletal muscle microcirculation before vital organs like the brain had been affected.

Investigators next plan to test the combination technique’s ability to monitor microcirculatory function in patients in intensive care.

“Sepsis is a leading cause of death around the world that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and those in low-resource settings,” said co–corresponding author Rasa Eskandari, an MD-PhD candidate at Western University, in Ontario, Canada. “Since early recognition can significantly improve outcomes and save lives, our team is committed to developing accessible technology for early sepsis detection and to guide timely interventions.”

URL upon publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1096/fj.202401889R

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About the Journal
The FASEB Journal, the flagship publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, leads in publishing groundbreaking multidisciplinary research in biology and biomedical sciences. It spans all levels of biological organization, from molecular to population studies. The journal drives advances in basic, translational, pre-clinical, and early clinical research. Known for its rigorous peer-review process, The FASEB Journal is dedicated to advancing high-quality scientific discoveries and shaping the future of science.

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