We aim to reduce
the global burden of sepsis in children.

This study evaluates multiple treatments for sepsis under a single platform using adaptive methods. This means that treatments can be adjusted over time based on the data collected and ensures all study participants receive the best and most evidence-based care.

Help us identify the top 10 unanswered questions to guide global paediatric sepsis research.

Are you a child sepsis survivor, a carer, or clinician, with paediatric sepsis experience?

What next...

In order to achieve our vision, we would first like to know what research questions are the most important to you through a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. We will then answer these questions using a sepsis adaptive platform trial.

Paediatric Sepsis Priority Setting Partnership (PSP)

The Paediatric Sepsis Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) has been established to identify the most urgent unanswered questions about sepsis in children and to set priorities for future research. This work is guided by the James Lind Alliance (JLA), an initiative that brings together patients, carers, and clinicians to shape research agendas around issues that matter most to those directly affected.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life threatening infection. The infection may start off in the bloodstream, or start in one spot (like pneumonia or appendicitis) and spread throughout the body. Bacteria are the most common cause of sepsis, but viruses, fungi, and parasites can also cause sepsis. Children are especially vulnerable because of their immature immune systems. Some children are also vulnerable due to cancer, congenital abnormalities, or chronic illness.

Every year, there are around 25.2 million children diagnosed with paediatric sepsis, resulting in 3.4 million deaths worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified paediatric sepsis as a global health priority due to the infection’s severity and the cost to hospitals. Reducing childhood deaths from sepsis is essential if Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved.

Despite significant efforts to improve outcomes for paediatric sepsis, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been unable to answer fundamental questions in children with sepsis in an effective and timely way.

As a result, there has been little practice change in the management of childhood sepsis in the last 20 years, and current guidelines are based on low-quality evidence.