Sepsis (serious blood infection)

Description Occurs when an infe...

Description

Occurs when an infection, usually bacterial, causes severe systemic (whole body) illness. Bacteria types that can cause sepsis typically produce chemical toxins. Sepsis causes the blood vessels to dilate (go into shock). Sepsis can worsen so that it results in multi-organ failure (failed function of kidney, delirium/confusion from failing brain function, etcetera). Unfortunately even with treatment the disorder is frequently fatal. Almost any infection can result in sepsis although the most common are pneumonia (lung infection), urinary tract infection (bladder infection), abdominal infections, and cellulitis (skin infection). Patients with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of this disorder. These patients include: diabetics, patients on chemotherapy, HIV patients, patients taken powerful medications for auto immune diseases, infants, elderly patients, and patients with chronic diseases.

Symptoms

Fever or low body temperature, hyperventilation, chills, shaking, warm skin, skin rash, feeling light headed, fainting, rapid heartbeat, confusion, delirium, decreased urine output, weak pulse.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests are performed to establish the diagnosis, identify the bacteria, and determine the extent of the damage.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Lactate, Arterial blood gas (ABG), blood cultures, urine cultures

Specialists:
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Medicine

Treatment

Treatment should be started as soon as possible and includes: broad spectrum antibiotics, intravenous fluids, medications to support the blood pressure (pressors), supplemental oxygen, and/or blood transfusion.