This study investigates the management of infection and sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to an infection causes widespread damage to its own tissues and organs. The research focuses on whether using a specific protein found in the blood, known as pancreatic stone protein, can help identify patients who are at a high risk of developing severe complications. The study aims to determine if giving the antibiotic meropenem very early in the treatment process can improve patient outcomes.

Participants in the study will be divided into two groups. One group will receive meropenem through an intravenous infusion, which is a method of delivering medication directly into a vein. The other group will receive a placebo consisting of sodium chloride, a common salt solution. This process is conducted as a double-blind trial, meaning neither the patients nor the medical staff know which substance is being administered during the treatment period.

During the course of the study, medical professionals will monitor how the body responds to the treatment. The focus will be on observing survival rates and checking for organ dysfunction, which refers to a situation where vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, or lungs are not working correctly. The study will also track how long patients remain in the hospital and the overall progress of the illness following the administration of the medication.