Non-invasive imaging technique may be key to diagnosing sepsis earlier
Researchers may have found a new way to detect sepsis before it becomes life threatening, according to new work published in the FASEB Journal.
The method involves two non-invasive imaging techniques— hyperspectral near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy. Combined, the techniques, referred to as hsNIRS-DCS, enable providers to identify signs of sepsis by assessing blood flow throughout the muscles.
“Sepsis is a leading cause of death around the world that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and those in low-resource settings,” co–corresponding author Rasa Eskandari, an MD-PhD candidate at Western University, in Ontario, Canada, and colleagues noted. “Since early recognition can significantly improve outcomes and save lives, our team is committed to developing accessible technology for early sepsis detection and to guide timely interventions.”
Increased amplitude of peripheral vasomotion is believed to be an early sign that sepsis is setting in, the group explained. In contrast to other monitoring methods, hyperspectral near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy represent a noninvasive way to continuously monitor tissue hemoglobin content (HbT), oxygenation (StO2) and perfusion (rBF), as subtle changes could represent deteriorating peripheral or cerebral microcirculatory function.
For the study, researchers utilized the techniques in mouse models—one control group and one introduced to fecal slurry to induce sepsis. The group acquired hsNIRS-DCS measurements of both skeletal muscle and the brain over a period of six hours.
In the sepsis group, rBF decreased rapidly, but HbT and StO2 did not significantly change, nor did any of the three cerebral measures. In the final four hours of the analysis, all parameters were elevated in the septic group, suggesting that the brain may be more protected from the effects of sepsis. However, peripheral perfusion and vasomotor activity measured via hsNIRS-DCS could indicate that sepsis is setting in, representing an opportunity to identify the threat before it progresses, the group suggested.
The team plans to continue their research, focusing next on patients in intensive care units.
Learn more about the study’s results here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.