# Evaluation of prognostic factors for mortality in cancer patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit: systematic review protocol

## TL;DR

This study outlines a protocol to identify factors affecting mortality in cancer patients with sepsis in the ICU.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a systematic review protocol focused on prognostic factors for mortality in cancer patients with sepsis.

## Key findings

- The review will assess 28-day mortality as the primary outcome.
- A meta-analysis will be conducted to generate pooled estimates for identified prognostic factors.
- The GRADE approach will evaluate the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations.

## Abstract

This systematic review outlines a comprehensive approach to identify and analyze prognostic factors associated with mortality in adult cancer patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit. The review will focus on all-cause 28-day mortality, and where not available, we will use 30-day, intensive care unit, or in-hospital mortality.

We present a protocol for the systematic review of prognostic factors for mortality in adult cancer patients with sepsis managed in the intensive care unit. Our primary outcome is 28-day mortality, and where not available, we will use 30-day, intensive care unit, or in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome is the global mortality incidence. Studies on the basis of the population (sepsis and neoplasms), prognostic study methods and outcome of interest (mortality) will be included. We will search the following databases: Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Bireme-BVS, until April 5, 2024. The risk of bias will be assessed using the QUIPS tool. A meta-analysis will be conducted where possible to generate pooled estimates for identified prognostic factors. Two authors will independently assess the risk of bias in each study using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. The GRADE approach will be employed to evaluate the overall quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendations. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. This review aims to provide clinicians with valuable insights into factors influencing mortality risk in this high-risk population, ultimately informing clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes.

The results of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Does not require ethical approval.