[Physical and mental long-term sequelae following intensive care of severe sepsis in patients and relatives].

This study aimed at investigating the physical and mental long-term sequelae in survivors of severe sepsis and in their relatives. Furthermore, the role of resilience as protective factor was examined. We contacted all persons who had requested free of charge advice from the German Sepsis Aid's National Helpline and asked them to answer a questionnaire. We included 87 patients and 90 relatives of patients who survived a severe sepsis. About two thirds of the patients and relatives reported clinically relevant post-traumatic symptoms. There were strong dyadic relations between patient and spouses regarding physical and mental health and quality of life. Resilience was found to be a significant negative predictor of physical complaints, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms in patients and relatives. Diagnosis and therapy of mental disorders is of particular importance within primary care following sepsis.