Research progress of sepsis-associated encephalopathy

Background Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common complication of sepsis, and rapid deterioration in mental status is one of the major manifestations of SAE. The complicated pathogenesis of SAE poses uncertainty to its diagnosis. As the treatment of SAE is also understudied, the prognosis of patients with SAE is unpredictable. Objective This article reviews the status quo of studies in SAE, including its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Content The pathology of SAE includes damage of blood-brain-barrier, alterations of neurotransmitter release and hemodynamics in the brain, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of neurons, neuroinflammation, etc. The diagnosis of SAE currently relies on deterioration of consciousness, abnormal spectra in electroencephalograph, disruption of somatosensory evoked potentials, morphological changes, and biochemical parameters representing brain injury. The available treatment strategies include antisepsis, anti-inflammation, mechanical ventilation, and neuroprotection. Trend The pathogenesis of SAE remains unclear. There still lacks effective intervention to improve the prognosis of SAE. Further investigations are highly demanded to elucidate the pathogenesis of SAE, and to improve the therapeutic strategies. Key words: Sepsis associated encephalopathy; Pathogenesis; Diagnosis; Treatment