Early Detection of SIRS: The Power of Timely Email Alerts

What is SIRS?

SIRS, or Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome represents a widespread inflammatory condition affecting the entire body. When SIRS is caused by a presumed or known infection, it evolves into sepsis—a life-threatening condition that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death.

SIRS Symptoms:

SIRS is characterized by the presence of two or more of the following conditions.

• Body temperature above 38.5°C or below 35°C.

• Heart rate exceeding 90 beats per minute.

• Respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute or paCO2 less than 32 mmHg.

• White blood cell (WBC) count above 12,000 or below 4,000.

Primary Goal:

The primary goal of the SIRS analysis project is to achieve early detection of SIRS, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

The Importance of Early Detection in SIRS:

• Early detection of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is crucial because it allows for prompt intervention, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. SIRS can quickly progress to severe conditions like sepsis, shock, or multi-organ failure, making early recognition vital. By identifying SIRS in its initial stages, healthcare providers can initiate treatments that stabilize the patient, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of mortality.

• Timely detection involves monitoring vital signs and biomarkers that indicate inflammation and systemic stress. Implementing early warning systems, such as automated email alerts or continuous monitoring, helps clinicians respond swiftly, tailoring interventions to the patient’s needs.

SIRS Patient Count:

Below visualization focuses on the number of patients exhibiting two or more abnormal symptoms of SIRS within the dataset. Out of 40,336 records, a total of 24,321 patients have SIRS, while 16,015 patients do not exhibit any signs of SIRS.

SIRS Trigger Hour: 

It refers to the critical hour when patients first exhibit two or more abnormal symptoms of SIRS, marking the onset of the syndrome. Identifying the trigger hour is crucial for timely intervention and improving patient outcomes.

SIRS Count at Trigger hour:

Below visualization illustrates the distribution of SIRS patient percentages by trigger hour. Each line or bin represents a specific trigger hour range and the corresponding percentage of SIRS patients observed. The highest percentage (65.30%) of SIRS patients occurs within the first 10 hours.The lowest percentage (0.41%) of SIRS patients is observed during the 51 to 60 hour range. This suggests that as time progresses, the incidence of SIRS cases decreases significantly. Early recognition and intervention within the initial hours are crucial for improving patient outcomes in SIRS cases.

 SIRS Email Alerts:

• Below table explains about an automated email alert system aimed at promptly notifying doctors when patients exhibit signs of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) based on abnormal vital signs. Abnormal values are highlighted in red for clarity.

• At the designated trigger hour, if abnormal vital signs are detected, a pre-formatted email is automatically generated and sent to the assigned doctor. This email includes critical patient details, the specific trigger hour, and specifics of the abnormal vital signs observed.

  
  

Email Alert Example:

For instance, if Patient ID 3 shows abnormal heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RESP) values at trigger hour 2, an email alert like below will be  triggered to notify the doctor promptly, facilitating early intervention and treatment.

Conclusion:

In summary, this automated system enhances early detection of SIRS through continuous vital sign monitoring, enabling swift medical response and ultimately improving patient care outcomes.