Our goal is to reduce the burden of sepsis
We are an interdisciplinary research group working in epidemiology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, intensive care, statistics, economics, bioinformatics and innovation. Our research will help improve diagnostics, decision support and simulation tools based on precision medicine. Personalized treatment of sepsis will help reduce mortality and prevent long-term effects in the future.
Our research is based on close collaboration between NTNU, St. Olavs Hospital, Helse Nord-Trøndelag, SINTEF and leading international experts at Yale University in the USA. We have achieved Gemini Centre status through our strategic cooperation with SINTEF.
We also conduct education and training in the field of sepsis.
Our research is based on close collaboration between NTNU, St. Olavs Hospital, Helse Nord-Trøndelag, SINTEF and leading international experts at Yale University in the USA. We have achieved Gemini Centre status through our strategic cooperation with SINTEF.
We also conduct education and training in the field of sepsis.
What is sepsis?
48.9 million cases Every year, 48.9 million people get sick with sepsis. Sepsis occurs when microbes enter the bloodstream and the immune system overreacts.
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11 million deathsSepsis is deadly if it is not detected and treated quickly. The risk of death increases for every hour that treatment is delayed.
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What more can be done?Read more about sepsis here.
You can also read more about our research projects and what we are doing to combat sepsis. |
Our research
We work in an interdisciplinary fashion in the fields of epidemiology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, intensive care, statistics, economics, bioinformatics and innovation. Click on one of our four main research areas to read more about the various projects.
Clinical research
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Epidemiology
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Microbiology
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Bioinformatics and AI
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Innovation
Sepcease - detecting sepsis using ultrasoundIn collaboration with Cimon Medical AS, we are testing whether measuring microcirculation with ultrasound can detect sepsis at an early stage. Diagnosing sepsis early and accurately is crucial for successful treatment. Currently no diagnostic tools for early detection of sepsis are available, but changes in microcirculation are an early signal that the patient is developing sepsis. With a new, non-invasive ultrasound probe and adaptive microcirculatory signal analysis, we can detect sepsis early. This technology enables patients to be treated with antibiotics sooner and thus prevents severe sepsis and late effects.
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News
The relationship between Covid-19 and sepsisAll infections can cause sepsis, including COVID-19.
The European Sepsis Alliance writes on its websites:
Now that more scientific data are available on COVID-19, the European Sepsis Alliance can more definitively state that COVID-19 does indeed cause sepsis. Sepsis is “a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.” In the case of COVID-19, the effects on the respiratory system are well-known, with most people requiring hospital admission developing pneumonia of varying severity; however, virtually all other organ systems can be affected. This is consistent with a combination of direct viral invasion and sepsis. Follow the government's advice on COVID-19. If you suspect that you or anyone around you has sepsis, contact your health care provider immediately.
Learn the symptoms of sepsis: Slurred speech and confusion Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever Passing no urine all day Severe breathlessness It feels like you're going to die Skin mottles or discolored |
“Stop Sepsis” breakfast meeting organized with Norwegian Cancer Society
Invild Kjerkol (Ap), Ingeborg Senneset, Erik Solligård, Bent Høie (Helseminister, Høyre), Cathrine Eide
24. February 2020 Gry Hege Henriksen developed sepsis in 2016 and had to have her hands and feet amputated. She shared her experiences in coping with sepsis and life afterwards. You can read more about her experiences here. The panel included Konrad Reinhart – president of the Global Sepsis Alliance; Bent Høie – Norway’s Minister of Health and Care Services; Ingvild Kjerkol – health policy spokesperson for the Norwegian Labour Party; Anne Lise Ryel – secretary general of the Norwegian Cancer Society; Lill Sverresdatter Larsen – president of the Norwegian Nurses Organisation; Erik Solligård – head of the Gemini Centre for Sepsis Research; and journalist Ingeborg Senneset. The head of information for the Norwegian Cancer Society, Cathrine Eide, led the discussion. |
Lise Tuset Gustad (at left) og PhD student Lise Husby Høvik
A peripheral venous catheter (PVC) is a small flexible tube used to deliver fluids and medications directly into the patient's blood intravenously. An improperly inserted PVC poses a serious risk for bloodstream infections from bacteria entering the bloodstream. This can lead to sepsis.
PhD candidate Lise Høvik and supervisor Lise Tuset Gustad collaborated with their partners to create a tool for measuring and monitoring PVC quality. Their study was recently published in BMC Health Services Research. |
How many people actually develop sepsis in Norway?
Sepsis is a serious illness that affects many people. But exactly how many is unknown and the estimates vary widely. Why is this so difficult to find out?
Senterleder Erik Solligård
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World Sepsis Day 2019
13. September is World Sepsisday. Sepsis is the leading cause of preventable illness and death worldwide. In Norway, about 4000 people die of sepsis each year. Sepsis can be prevented by vaccination and access to clean health care facilities, clean water and clean births. Most importantly, awareness and knowledge can help to effectively prevent sepsis. Fully 80% of sepsis cases start outside the hospital, but would you recognize sepsis if you saw it? Read more about World Sepsis Day 2019 here. 
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