Sepsis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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A change in mental status and [[hyperventilation]] may be the earliest signs of sepsis. In general, symptoms of sepsis can include: | A change in mental status and [[hyperventilation]] may be the earliest signs of sepsis. In general, symptoms of sepsis can include: | ||
*Chills | *[[Chills]] | ||
*[[Confusion]] or [[delirium]] | *[[Confusion]] or [[delirium]] | ||
*Decreased urine output | *Decreased urine output | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
==What causes Sepsis?== | ==What causes Sepsis?== | ||
Sepsis is caused by a bacterial infection that can begin anywhere in the body. Common places where an infection might start include: | Sepsis is caused by a bacterial [[infection]] that can begin anywhere in the body. Common places where an infection might start include: | ||
The bowel (usually seen with peritonitis) | *The [[bowel]] (usually seen with [[peritonitis]]) | ||
The | *The [[kidney]]s (upper [[urinary tract infection]] or [[pyelonephritis]]) | ||
The lining of the brain (meningitis) | *The lining of the [[brain]] ([[meningitis]]) | ||
The liver or the gall bladder | *The [[liver]] or the [[gall bladder]] | ||
The lungs (bacterial pneumonia) | *The [[lungs]] (bacterial [[pneumonia]]) | ||
The skin (cellulitis) | *The skin ([[cellulitis]]) | ||
In children, sepsis may accompany infection of the bone (osteomyelitis). In hospitalized patients, common sites of infection include intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and sites of skin breakdown known as bedsores (decubitus | In children, sepsis may accompany infection of the bone ([[osteomyelitis]]). In hospitalized patients, common sites of infection include intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and sites of skin breakdown known as bedsores ([[decubitus ulcer]]s). | ||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
| Line 43: | Line 43: | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The infection is often confirmed by a blood test. However, a blood test may not reveal infection in people who have been receiving | The [[infection]] is often confirmed by a blood test. However, a blood test may not reveal infection in people who have been receiving [[antibiotic]]s. | ||
Other tests that may be done include: | Other tests that may be done include: | ||
Blood gases | *[[Blood gases]] | ||
Kidney function tests | *Kidney function tests | ||
Platelet count | *[[Platelet count]] | ||
White blood cell count | *[[White blood cell count]] | ||
Blood differential | *Blood differential | ||
Fibrin degradation products | *[[Fibrin degradation products]] | ||
Peripheral smear | *[[Peripheral smear]] | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
If you have sepsis, you will be admitted to a hospital, usually the intensive care unit (ICU). | If you have sepsis, you will be admitted to a hospital, usually the intensive care unit (ICU). [[Antibiotic]]s are given through a vein (intravenously). Oxygen, fluids given through a vein, and medications that increase [[blood pressure]] may be needed. [[Dialysis]] may be necessary if there is kidney failure. A breathing machine (mechanical ventilation) is necessary if there is lung failure. For some patients, treatment with powerful anti-inflammatory medications called [[corticosteroid]]s or recombinant human activated protein C may be helpful. | ||
===Medications to avoid=== | |||
{{MedCondContrPI | |||
|MedCond =Sepsis|Etanercept|Sitagliptin And Metformin Hydrochloride}} | |||
==Where to find medical care for Sepsis?== | ==Where to find medical care for Sepsis?== | ||
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==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
*[[Disseminated intravascular coagulation]] | |||
Disseminated intravascular coagulation | *Problems with blood flow to vital organs ([[brain]], [[heart]], [[kidney]]s) | ||
Problems with blood flow to vital organs (brain, heart, | *Septic [[shock]] | ||
Septic shock | *Death | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sepsis.html | http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sepsis.html | ||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Intensive care medicine]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Causes of death]] | ||
[[Category:Emergency medicine]] | [[Category:Emergency medicine]] | ||
[[Category:Emergency | [[Category:Disease]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Patient information]] | ||
[[Category:Emergency mdicine]] | |||
[[Category:Up-To-Date]] | |||
[[Category:Infectious disease]] | [[Category:Infectious disease]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:07, 30 July 2020
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
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Sepsis |
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Sepsis On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Sepsis is a severe illness in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria.
What are the symptoms of Sepsis?
In sepsis, blood pressure drops, resulting in shock. Major organs and body systems, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system, stop working properly.
A change in mental status and hyperventilation may be the earliest signs of sepsis. In general, symptoms of sepsis can include:
- Chills
- Confusion or delirium
- Decreased urine output
- Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Hyperventilation
- Lightheadedness due to low blood pressure
- Rapid heart beat
- Shaking
- Skin rash
- Warm skin
What causes Sepsis?
Sepsis is caused by a bacterial infection that can begin anywhere in the body. Common places where an infection might start include:
- The bowel (usually seen with peritonitis)
- The kidneys (upper urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis)
- The lining of the brain (meningitis)
- The liver or the gall bladder
- The lungs (bacterial pneumonia)
- The skin (cellulitis)
In children, sepsis may accompany infection of the bone (osteomyelitis). In hospitalized patients, common sites of infection include intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and sites of skin breakdown known as bedsores (decubitus ulcers).
Who is at highest risk?
Any infectious site can lead to sepsis if not taken proper care of.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call a doctor if you develop symptoms of sepsis
Diagnosis
The infection is often confirmed by a blood test. However, a blood test may not reveal infection in people who have been receiving antibiotics.
Other tests that may be done include:
- Blood gases
- Kidney function tests
- Platelet count
- White blood cell count
- Blood differential
- Fibrin degradation products
- Peripheral smear
Treatment options
If you have sepsis, you will be admitted to a hospital, usually the intensive care unit (ICU). Antibiotics are given through a vein (intravenously). Oxygen, fluids given through a vein, and medications that increase blood pressure may be needed. Dialysis may be necessary if there is kidney failure. A breathing machine (mechanical ventilation) is necessary if there is lung failure. For some patients, treatment with powerful anti-inflammatory medications called corticosteroids or recombinant human activated protein C may be helpful.
Medications to avoid
Patients diagnosed with Sepsis should avoid using the following medications:
- Etanercept
- Sitagliptin And Metformin Hydrochloride
If you have been diagnosed with Sepsis, consult your physician before starting or stopping any of these medications.
Where to find medical care for Sepsis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Sepsis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Sepsis is often life threatening, especially in people with a weakened immune system or with a chronic illness.
Possible complications
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- Problems with blood flow to vital organs (brain, heart, kidneys)
- Septic shock
- Death