Sepsis

Alternative Names

Sepsis, Septicemia

What is Sepsis

Sepsis is a dangerous complication of an infection. It is most common and most life-threatening in elderly people or with weakened immune systems. Sepsis occurs in three stages: uncomplicated sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock.

Signs and symptoms

If you have sepsis, you will definitely find the following symptoms:

• Fever above 101.3 F (38.5 C) or below 95 F (35 C)
• Heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute
• Respiratory rate higher than 20 breaths a minute
• Probable or confirmed infection



They can be added by:

• Areas of mottled skin
• Significantly decreased urine output
• Abrupt change in mental status
• Decrease in platelet count
• Difficulty breathing
• Abnormal heart function
• Low blood pressure




Possible complications

Sepsis can become septic shock and then it can lead to organ failure and death. As sepsis progresses, blood flows to brain, heart and kidneys and makes them impaired. Sepsis can also cause blood clots in your organs.




What causes

Usually non-treated infections cause sepsis. Among them are:

• Pneumonia
• Abdominal infection
• Kidney infection
• Bloodstream infection (bacteremia)




Prevention

The risk of sepsis can be reduced by regular washing hands. Care of medical equipment can prevent hospital-related infections and sepsis. Improving your immune system you decrease the possibility of sepsis.




Treatment

To treat sepsis you can take different medications. They include:

• Antibiotics that are effective against a variety of bacteria
• Vasopressors that constrict blood vessels and help increase blood pressure
• Other medications (e.g. low doses of corticosteroids, insulin) to maintain stable blood sugar levels
• Drugs that modify the immune system responses
• Painkillers or sedatives



People with severe sepsis require supportive care including oxygen and large amounts of intravenous fluids and in some cases surgery (collections of pus) to remove sources of infection.