SPARC (SePsis And Infection-Related Organ Dysfunction in Children) Global is an international collaboration to better understand pediatric sepsis worldwide

About the Study:

The global burden of pediatric sepsis remains inadequately documented, especially in resource-limited settings. SPARC Global aims to close this knowledge gap through an international, point-prevalence study that will characterize sepsis prevalence, management practices, and outcomes across resource-limited healthcare environments. At this time, we are looking for international sites to partner with where primary data collection will take place. This study will include pediatric patients (aged 28 days to 18 years) from hospitals around the world with 4 screening dates, spread over the course of 1 year. Data collection will include an initial case report form at enrollment, followed by a final case report form recording the child’s hospital outcome. We are actively recruiting sites at this time and would love to have as many sites involved as possible. Screening and data collection will begin in early 2026.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What are the requirements to participate in SPARC Global?

    • Self-identify as resource-limited

    • Be located in a low-, low-middle, or middle-income country by Sociodemographic Index (SDI)

    • Have intermittent internet connectivity and/or 3G internet for data upload

    • Provide inpatient care to a general population of pediatric patients

    • Have an established ethical approval process

    • Be able to support study-related costs

  • How do you define a resource-limited site?

    • Sites are considered to be resource-limited if they self-report:

      • Limited access to medication, equipment, supplies, and/or devices most or all of the time;

      • Having less‐developed infrastructure;

      • Having fewer or less‐trained personnel;

      • Having limited availability of equipment, supplies, and/or medication most or all of the time

  • Are there funds to assist with the study?

    • As this is an unfunded study, we are unable to provide funds to participating sites at this time

  • What is the process for getting involved?

    • If you want to know more or to be part of our study, please email SPARC.global@ucsf.edu. We will send you the ethical approval packet for submission to your ethics review board.

Get Involved: Interested in participating? Click here! *Completing this form expresses interest—not commitment. After submission, we’ll provide more details and next steps.