RehaSep: health status and quality of life monitored during different rehabilitation procedures in post-sepsis patients

The aim of the planned study is to evaluate the effect of two different rehabilitation treatments on physiological, hematological and biochemical diagnostic indices and the quality of life of sepsis survivors. The study will be conducted with 60 patients with a history of hospitalizations for sepsis. They will be assigned to three groups: control group - with no rehabilitation (which reflects the present medical practice), and two experimental groups of patients participating in 3-month diagnostically monitored rehabilitation programs - either as the aerobic training on cycloergometer in a reclining position or in the form of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters which indicate the state and function of the immune system, oxidative stress level and degree of post-sepsis organ damage/recovery will be assessed in each patient after completion of clinical therapy of sepsis and in the following three months. In all of the patients respiratory function tests (spirometry) and regular ECG cycloergometer exercise testing will be carried out in order to assess their physical capacity and/or the results of rehabilitation. In addition, when leaving hospital and after 3 months, each patient will be surveyed with the specialized quality of life questionnaire "Life after Sepsis Survey". In spite of the enormous achievements of modern medicine neither the specific diagnostic methods, nor the standards for rehabilitation of the patients have been introduced yet. As a result, high mortality, frequent hospital readmissions and a profound reduction in the quality of life occur in sepsis survivors. The significance of rehabilitation for post-sepsis patients as the key to their recovery is strongly expressed as well as the need of new research to elucidate long-term functional impairments is highly encouraged. The results of this study will be probably the first-of-its kind in science. A comparison of two distinct forms of intervention used as rehabilitation treatments will allow for better understanding of the changes in patients' organisms during recovery after sepsis. The new knowledge gained will constitute the starting point for the next stage - the applied research aimed at selection of the most effective rehabilitation methods. They prepare the ground for the future implementation of the appropriate procedures into the medical practice that will bring the diverse economic and social benefits.