Background: Sepsis and septic shock, critical health concerns in the U.S., demonstrate varied mortality rates across different racial groups. This study examines the impact of race on mortality and complications in septic shock, providing insights into healthcare disparities.
Methods: Using data from the National Inpatient Sample database (2016-2020), this retrospective analysis included 2,789,890 patients with septic shock. The study employed multivariate regression analysis to adjust for confounders to evaluate racial disparities in mortality and other clinical outcomes, considering demographics, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors.
Results: The cohort comprised 67.52% White, 14.44% African Americans, 10.89% Hispanic, 3.28% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 0.84% Native American patients. In terms of in-hospital mortality, the odds ratio (OR) for African American patients was 1.23 (95% CI: 1.21-1.25), for Hispanic patients 1.11 (95% CI: 1.09-1.13), and for Native American patients 1.19 (95% CI: 1.12-1.26) compared to White patients. Significant disparities were also observed in complications like acute kidney injury, vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation, with variations in odds ratio by race. The study revealed a longer average length of stay for Black patients compared to other racial groups.
Conclusions: The study underscores pronounced racial disparities in septic shock outcomes in the U.S., with non-White racial groups, particularly African American, Hispanic, and Native American patients, experiencing higher mortality rates. These findings highlight the need for healthcare strategies that address these disparities, ensuring equitable care and outcomes for patients with septic shock.