Life-Saving Study Into Sepsis

Each year over a million people suffer from sepsis, a condition caused by an infection spreading through the body. If sepsis develops into severe sepsis then death rate can rise to nearly 30 - 50%, equalling number of deaths caused by a heart attack.

A University of Leicester research study has been conducted to examine the usefulness of a monitoring device in early management of septic patients in an Emergency Department. The results of study are likely to lead to improved care of patients with sepsis in future and ultimately to save lives.

If recognised and treated early, sepsis has a favourable outcome but it can be difficult to diagnose and to appropriately treat sepsis at the early stage.

In some parts of the world patients with sepsis are currently treated by placing a thin catheter into a blood vessel close to heart. This allows doctors to assess patient's condition and to guide therapy. However, this procedure isn't without risk to the patient and is impractical for most UK Emergency Departments.

The Leicester research project is looking at a safe alternative approach in assessing and managing patients with sepsis at the earliest stage. This is the use of a special monitoring device, called a Thoracic Electrical Bioimpedance monitor ( Niccomo ) , which provides doctors with more information about how well patient's heart is working.

Chris Vorwerk, a postgraduate student working on project, commented: " I am an Emergency Physician ( Specialist Registrar ) working at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Having seen many people dying from sepsis during my career as a doctor, it was my ambition to look into new ways of identifying and treating these patients at an early stage. This fits with my wider interest in use of clinical risk assessment tools in Emergency Department, which enable doctors to identify sicker patients sooner, so that right treatment can be started straight away. "

The research is being presented to public at the University of Leicester on Thursday 26th June. The Festival of Postgraduate Research introduces employers and the public to next generation of innovators and cutting-edge researchers, and gives postgraduate researchers opportunity to explain real world implications of their research to a wide ranging audience.

More information about Festival of Postgraduate Research is available at: http: //www. le. ac. uk/gradschool/festival.

University Of Leicester

- A member of 1994 Group of universities that share a commitment to research excellence, high quality teaching and an outstanding student experience.

- Ranked top for student satisfaction in England ( jointly with Oxford ) among mainstream universities ( average score of 4. 4 out of 5 for overall satisfaction )

- Ranked as a Top 20 university by The Sunday Times University Guide, The Guardian University Guide and the UK Good University Guide

- One of just 23 UK universities to feature in world's top 200- Shanghai Jiao Tong International Index, 2005-07.

- Ranked in top 200 world universities by THES ( Times Higher Education Supplement )

- Short listed University of Year in 2007 by The Sunday Times and Short listed Higher Education Institution of Year - THES awards 2005 and 2006

- Ranked top 10 in England for research impact by The Guardian

- Students' Union of Year award 2005, short listed 2006 and 2007

Founded in 1921, the University of Leicester has 19, 000 students from 136 countries. Teaching in 18 subject areas has been graded Excellent by Quality Assurance Agency- including 14 successive scores - a consistent run of success matched by just one other UK University. Leicester is world renowned for invention of DNA Fingerprinting by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and houses Europe's biggest academic Space Research Centre. 90% of staff are actively engaged in high quality research and 13 subject areas have been awarded the highest rating of 5* and 5 for research quality, demonstrating excellence at an international level. The University's research grant income places it among top 20 UK research universities. The University employs over 3, 000 people, has an annual turnover of £184m, covers an estate of 94 hectares and is engaged in a £300m investment programme- among biggest of any UK university.

University of Leicester

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Simvastatin: side effects Stomach upset may occur while use Simvastatin. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

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A serious allergic reaction to Simvastatin is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Simvastatin: precautions Before taking Simvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or to other " statins " ; or if we have any other allergies.

Simvastatin shouldn't be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have:

Before using Simvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

The rare development of severe muscle damage ( see Side Effects ) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. Simvastatin is usually temporarily stopped if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney problems. Before stopping your medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of following conditions:

Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects.

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Simvastatin: interactions Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for them. Do not start, stop, or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

See also How To Use section.

Simvastatin should not be used with following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur:

If we are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Simvastatin.

Use caution if following drugs are combined with Simvastatin because serious side effects such as muscle injury ( myopathy ) infrequently could occur:

Before using Simvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Simvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

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