Uscom protocol slashed sepsis deaths: study

A hospital protocol for treating sepsis using Uscom (ASX:UCM) diagnostics technology reduced mortality related to the condition at a Bathurst hospital by 94%, an independent study shows.

The six-year study by Charles Sturt University's Brendan Smith shows that the Bathurst Uscom Hemodynamic (BUSH) protocol also reduced renal failure among sepsis patients to 14% from 74%.

The protocol, which was introduced at Bathurst Base Hospital in 2007, combines administration of antibiotics with personalised cardiovascular resuscitation directed by hemodynamics from Uscom technology.

The report concludes that if success with the protocol was replicated Australia-wide, it would have saved 8,237 lives and over $1 billion over the six-year period.

"These results demonstrate a potential new gold standard for the management of sepsis and we are now looking to share our experience and improve care in Australia and worldwide," said Smith.

Uscom CEO Rob Phillips said he believes the study "provides the clinical and health economic evidence necessary for large national and international health management organizations to adopt the Uscom technology."

Uscom's flagship product is Uscom 1A, a non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring device. Besides sepsis, the product has applications in the management of heart failure and hypertension.

Uscom (ASX:UCM) shares were trading unchanged at $0.190 as of around 3pm on Wednesday.