SSSP-2Simplified Severe Sepsis Protocol-2 (SSSP-2): A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Bundled Intervention for Severe Sepsis at the University Teaching Hospital in Zambia

In recent years, evidence-based protocols of bundled therapies have improved survival of severe sepsis in developed countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, simple therapies such as IV fluids and early antibiotics are frequently under-utilized. Studies of fluid interventions in the region, however, have demonstrated conflicting results. Outcomes in septic patients may be further affected by delays in the diagnosis of tuberculosis-associated severe sepsis. The aims of this study are (1) To assess the impact on survival of a simple evidence-based protocol for severe sepsis with hypotensionor septic shock, (2) To evaluate the cost of implementation for a simplified severe sepsis protocol, (3) To develop a clinical diagnostic score for identifying tuberculosis in HIV positive patients with severe sepsis, and (4) To assess the performance of the Xpert TB/RIF rapid PCR system and urine lipoarabinomannan assay for diagnosing tuberculosis in HIV positive patients with severe sepsis.