Sepsis Involved in Nearly 20% of U.S. Pediatric Hospital Deaths, National Clinical Study Finds

A new national study using clinical data reveals 1 in 10 children with sepsis die in the hospital. Learn about the new PSE framework for tracking pediatric sepsis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 5:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute

Quantifying the True Burden of Pediatric Sepsis

Sepsis remains a formidable challenge in pediatric medicine, characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infection that leads to life-threatening organ dysfunction. According to the new data, more than 18,000 children are hospitalized with sepsis annually in the U.S., resulting in over 1,800 deaths before discharge. Historically, tracking these cases relied on inconsistent hospital billing codes, which often failed to capture the clinical reality. This study, supported by the CDC, analyzed 3.9 million hospitalizations from 2016 to 2023 to establish a reliable baseline for national surveillance.

The Pediatric Sepsis Event (PSE) Framework

To overcome the limitations of subjective coding, researchers developed the Pediatric Sepsis Event (PSE) definition. This framework adapts the recently established "Phoenix" pediatric sepsis criteria into a scalable model that pulls objective data directly from electronic health records (EHRs). By monitoring laboratory results, antibiotic administration, and clinical markers of organ failure, the PSE allows for consistent tracking across diverse health systems. Dr. Chanu Rhee of Harvard Medical School noted that this standardized approach is essential for creating a "stronger foundation for prevention and improvement."

Key Clinical Findings and Mortality Rates

The study’s findings underscore the severity of the condition within hospital settings: