Prevention of sepsis in an aging society

In recent years, Korea has very rapidly become an aging society, bringing changes that have affected many aspects of social structure. Impaired immunity and declining anatomical and physiological defenses render the elderly vulnerable to infectious diseases [1]. In addition to the expansion of the elderly population, the utilization of nursing homes and nursing hospitals has increased significantly, affecting the composition of patients and altering the role of sepsis as a cause of death. Efforts should be made to understand the distinct epidemiological features and characteristics of sepsis in each country [2-4]. During Korea’s transition to an aging society, understanding the characteristics and status of sepsis in Korea will be very important for the treatment of sepsis patients [5]. The management of older patients differs from that of younger patients in antimicrobial selection and dosing, delirium management, and discussions on goals of care. Medical comorbidities, cognitive impairment, and functional status also contribute to outcomes more than age alone [6].