Understanding Sepsis: How Global Research Could Help Save Lives

University of Cyberjaya researcher Dr Lakshmi Thangavelu contributes to an international study examining three decades of sepsis cases and deaths worldwide.

An infection may seem like a common health concern, but in some cases, it can trigger a life-threatening medical emergency known as sepsis.

Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes dysregulated, causing damage to its own tissues and organs. Without timely medical attention, the condition can rapidly become life-threatening.

Understanding the scale of this global health challenge is essential to improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

At the University of Cyberjaya (UOC), Dr Lakshmi Thangavelu has contributed to international research examining the global burden of sepsis, helping to build evidence that could inform healthcare priorities and ultimately support better patient outcomes.

Three Decades of Global Health Data

The large-scale study examined sepsis cases and deaths worldwide between 1990 and 2021, analysing patterns across countries and regions.

By studying these trends over three decades, researchers sought to better understand how the burden of sepsis varies across populations and geographical locations.

Such research is important because the impact of sepsis is not necessarily the same everywhere. Understanding where the condition presents the greatest challenges can help identify areas where healthcare interventions and resources may be most needed.

Dr Lakshmi's contribution to this international research reflects UOC's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge that addresses significant global health concerns.

Why Understanding Sepsis Matters

Sepsis can develop from an infection when the body's response becomes harmful rather than protective.

It is a medical emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Delays in receiving appropriate care can increase the risk of serious complications, including organ failure.

While greater public awareness can encourage individuals to seek medical attention when symptoms become concerning, research also plays an essential role in helping healthcare systems understand and respond to the condition.

By examining the global burden of sepsis, researchers can provide evidence to support:

• Better healthcare planning: Identifying populations and regions facing a greater burden of sepsis.
• Stronger prevention efforts: Informing strategies to reduce infections and associated complications.
• Earlier diagnosis and treatment: Highlighting the importance of timely access to appropriate medical care.
• Evidence-based healthcare priorities: Supporting decisions about where resources and interventions may have the greatest impact.

These insights can contribute to a more informed approach to addressing sepsis as a global public health challenge.

Research That Advances Global Health

The significance of this research extends beyond understanding the number of people affected by sepsis.

By identifying patterns in cases and deaths over time, researchers can contribute to a stronger evidence base for healthcare policies, prevention strategies and future scientific investigations.

For universities such as UOC, participation in international research also provides opportunities to contribute academic expertise to issues that affect communities worldwide.

Dr Lakshmi's work demonstrates how research can help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world healthcare needs.

Recognising Research Excellence at UOC

Beyond her contribution to global sepsis research, Dr Lakshmi has also achieved international recognition for her scientific contributions.

She is among the World's Top 2% Scientists in the 2026 Stanford University–Elsevier database, a recognition based on bibliometric indicators of research impact.

In the single-year assessment, Dr Lakshmi was ranked 53,283 globally, with a subfield ranking of 323 out of 166,116 researchers in Pharmacology and Pharmacy.

Her inclusion reflects her research contributions and adds to the growing recognition of UOC academics within the international scientific community.

The University of Cyberjaya congratulates Dr Lakshmi Thangavelu on this achievement and recognises her continued contributions to research addressing important healthcare challenges.

Better Evidence. Better Healthcare Priorities.

Sepsis remains a serious global health concern, but research offers valuable opportunities to improve how the condition is understood and addressed.

Through international collaboration and the analysis of long-term health data, researchers such as Dr Lakshmi are helping to strengthen the evidence needed to guide future healthcare decisions.

At UOC, we believe research has the greatest value when it contributes to meaningful progress for society. Because understanding the numbers is an important step towards improving healthcare and saving lives.