Sepsis is an extremely dangerous, potentially fatal, medical condition that remains a major worldwide health concern. In the UK, 245,000 people per year are affected by sepsis and there are approximately 48,000 deaths per year related to sepsis. Understanding sepsis, the early warning signs and the importance of timely intervention can be crucial in improving outcomes and saving lives. What is sepsis? Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to infection and can be a life-threatening condition. When we, as humans, contract an infection, our body fights this infection however sepsis can occur when the body overreacts and turns on its own organs and tissue. Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis, including UTIs, chest infections (e.g. pneumonia) and abdominal infections (e.g. appendicitis). Fungal, parasitic and viral infections are also causes of sepsis. Who can be affected by sepsis? Sepsis can affect anyone, however some people are at a higher risk of contracting sepsis than others. It primarily affects young children and the elderly as they are more vulnerable to infection. There are also other risk factors, and you are more likely to develop sepsis if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer. What are the warning signs of sepsis? It is important to be aware of the symptoms of sepsis. There is no single symptom of sepsis and symptoms present differently for adults and children. Symptoms of sepsis in children include: Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast Having a seizure High or low temperature – feeling very hot or cold to touch Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue A rash that does not fade when pressed (although this type of rash is rare in sepsis) Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake Not urinating in the last 12 hours (for babies and children under 5 years) or not urinating all day (for children 5 years and over). Babies and children under 5 years may also not be interested in feeding or they may keep being sick. Symptoms of sepsis in adults include: Slurred speech or confusion Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever Passing no urine all day Severe breathlessness It feels like you’re going to die Skin is mottled or discoloured Learning the acronym SEPSIS can be a helpful way to remember the symptoms of sepsis. The dangers of sepsis Sepsis can lead to septic shock, multi organ failure and even death. Septic shock is the most dangerous stage of sepsis. Septic shock involves dangerously low blood pressure which can be life threatening. If sepsis is left untreated, toxins produced by the bacteria that caused the infection can damage the small blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid into the surrounding tissue. This can affect the function of the heart and its ability to pump blood to the organs, causing a lack of blood flow to important organs, such as the brain. Some people may suffer long term consequences of sepsis, including post sepsis syndrome. Post sepsis syndrome (PSS) can cause many physical and psychological side effects, including feeling very tired, nerve damage and depression. PSS often lasts between 6-18 months however it can take some people even longer to recover. Importance of early diagnosis and treatment Sepsis develops very quickly and can develop in several hours. It therefore needs to be treated urgently. Sepsis is treated in a hospital and some individuals may require treatment in Critical Care units. Early diagnosis is critical as it allows for prompt treatment, therefore improving patient outcomes by preventing the onset of septic shock and organ failure. A delay in diagnosis can be potentially fatal. There is no single diagnostic test for sepsis. It is usually diagnosed by testing temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and blood. Treatment for sepsis includes antibiotics, intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and oxygen to help with breathing. How Boyes Turner can help Our medical negligence team have extensive experience in claims involving sepsis. If you think there may have been substandard care involved in the treatment of your sepsis or a loved one’s treatment, then please contact us. This also includes fatalities. Read about previous settlements that we have achieved for our clients involving sepsis: £1.6 million settlement for multiple amputee after negligent hospital treatment of sepsis £2.5 million settlement for family after mother dies from untreated pneumonia and sepsis
