Original Article

Assessment of Sepsis Severity Using SOFA Score and Ultrasonographic Measurement of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to compare optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) with SOFA score, mortality, and
length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) among patients with septic shock.
Methods: An interventional study was conducted on 70 patients with sepsis admitted to the Shariati Hospital ICU.Demographic data were first recorded. Bedside ultrasonography through the upper eyelid was then performed to measure ONSD on admission and repeated on days three and six of ICU stay. Simultaneously, C- eactive protein (CRP), serum lactate levels, and SOFA scores were documented. The presence of encephalopathy was also evaluated. Statistical analyses using paired t-test and Pearson correlation were applied to examine associations between ONSD and clinical/laboratory parameters.
Results: The mean age of patients was 60.42 ± 6.06 years, with 39 (54.2%) males. Encephalopathy was observed
in 40 patients (55.6%). The mean ICU stay was 7.64 ± 2.40 days, and 39 patients (54.2%) died. ONSD showed a
significant correlation with serum lactate, CRP, and SOFA score (p < 0.05). The maximum mean ONSD was 6.0 mm on days one and three, decreasing to 5.6 mm by day six.
Conclusions: ONSD, alongside CRP, lactate, and SOFA score, may serve as useful markers for monitoring
neurological status, systemic inflammation, hemodynamic improvement, and organ function in septic shock
patients. These findings highlight their potential role in guiding timely ICU management, despite limitations such as sample size and demographic variability.

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SectionOriginal Article(s)
Keywords
Sepsis SOFA Score Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Encephalopathy Critical Care
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1.
Mehrjouyi M, Marashia SM, Hajy Molla Rabi S, Haji Azizi MA, Mohammadi Afrakoti N. Assessment of Sepsis Severity Using SOFA Score and Ultrasonographic Measurement of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter. AJS. 2025;8(4):111-119.