PROFILE OF SEPTIC SHOCK IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN MAURITANIA

Biological & Medical Sciences

Septic shock is a common medical emergency associated with high mortality. Our goal is to study its epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile in the intensive care unit of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Amitié in Nouakchott. This is a retrospective study conducted in the intensive care unit of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Amitié (CHA) in Nouakchott from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, covering 40 cases of septic shock. Among the 1,150 patients admitted to intensive care, 40 presented with septic shock, representing an incidence of 3.47%. The average age of patients was 56.4 years, ranging from 18 to 80 years. The majority were aged between 48 and 77, with two peaks at 58 and 77 years. A male predominance was observed (25 men to 15 women), with a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.66. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (50%) and diabetes (37.5%). The Glasgow Coma Scale score was 12 or lower in all patients. Mean blood pressure was below 60 mm Hg. Tachycardia was observed in 75% of patients, while bradycardia was seen in 25%. Urine output was preserved in 27 patients (67.5%), while oliguria-anuria was observed in 13 patients (32.5%). Septic shock is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. Its management remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.

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