AbstractIntroductionSepsis is a diagnostic challenge in all critically ill patients, but particularly so in the burn patient population. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the modified sepsis-3 criteria defined as an acute change in SOFA score ≥2 was predictive of clinical infection.MethodsThe hospital database was reviewed between 2016 and 2019 to identify patients who received broad spectrum antibiotics within 2 days of sustaining their injury. Culture specimens taken at the time of antibiotic administration determined presence of a clinical infection.ResultsBetween 2016 and 2019, a total of 98 patients were admitted to the burn unit within 2 days of their injury and received prophylactic meropenum and/or piperacillin/tazobactam for suspicion of clinical infection. When stratified based on an acute change in SOFA score within 48 hours prior to receiving antibiotics, 67 (72%) patients received antibiotics with an acute change in SOFA score ≤1, and 26 (27%) patients received antibiotics with an acute change in SOFA score ≥2. Of those patients with the acute change in SOFA score ≥2, 22 patients (85%) had positive cultures associated with the timing of prophylactic antibiotics, as compared to 60 patients (90%) with a change in SOFA score ≤1 (p value 0.05).ConclusionsOur data suggests that the modified sepsis-3 criteria is not a reliable tool for diagnosing burn sepsis.Applicability of Research to PracticeImproving our ability to accurately predict sepsis in burn patients can improve patient outcomes and decrease unnecessary administration of broad spectrum antibiotics.