Transforming sepsis management: AI-driven innovations in early detection and tailored therapies
Praveen Papareddy, Thamar Jessurun Lobo, Michal Holub, Hjalmar R. Bouma, Jan Máca, Nils Strodthoff, Heiko Herwald
Abstract
Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, driven by its clinical complexity and delayed recognition. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers promising solutions to improve sepsis care through earlier detection, risk stratification, and personalized treatment strategies. Key applications include AI-driven early warning systems, subphenotyping based on clinical and biological data, and decision support tools that adapt to real-time patient information. The integration of diverse data types, such as structured clinical data, unstructured notes, waveform signals, and molecular biomarkers, enhances the precision and timeliness of interventions. However, challenges such as algorithmic bias, limited external validation, data quality issues, and ethical considerations continue to hinder clinical implementation. Future directions focus on real-time model adaptation, multi-omics integration, and the development of generalist medical AI capable of personalized recommendations. Successfully addressing these barriers is essential for AI to deliver on its potential to transform sepsis management and support the transition toward precision-driven critical care.