Sepsis

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs when the body responds to an infection. It is also called systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Infection in sepsis is usually caused by bacteria (germs) that attack the body. Normally, the body's defense system fights off infection within the affected body part.

With sepsis, the body overreacts causing symptoms to occur throughout the body. This leads to an uncontrolled and widespread inflammation (swelling) and clotting in small blood vessels. Blood flow to different body parts is then decreased, and may lead to organ failure (loss of function). Sepsis often requires immediate treatment to ensure recovery.

What causes sepsis?

Any kind of infection anywhere in the body can trigger sepsis. Sepsis can strike anyone at any age, but you may be at higher risk if:

• You are confined in a hospital.
  
  
• You are very young or very old.
  
  
• You have a genetic tendency for sepsis.
  
  
• You have a weakened immune system.
  
  
• You have had surgery.
  
  
• You have an infection or medical condition.
  
  
• You have severe injuries, such as large burns.

What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?

You may have one or more of the following:

• Chills or severe shaking.
  
  
• Confusion.
  
  
• Fast breathing.
  
  
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
  
  
• Fever or hypothermia (very low body temperature).
  
  
• Passing little to no urine.
  
  
• Unusually low blood pressure.

How is sepsis diagnosed?

You may have one or more of the following tests:

• Blood gases: This is also called an arterial blood gas, or ABG. Blood is taken from an artery (blood vessel) in your wrist, arm, or groin. Your blood is tested for the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in it. The results can tell caregivers how well your lungs are working.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.
  
  
• Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers use it to see how your lungs and heart are doing. Caregivers may use the x-ray to look for signs of infection like pneumonia, or to look for collapsed lungs. Chest x-rays may show tumors, broken ribs, or fluid around the heart and lungs.

How is sepsis treated?

Sepsis is a serious condition. Treatments are often done in an intensive care or critical care unit of a hospital. You may need one or more of the following:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
    
    
  • Heart medicine: This medicine is given to strengthen or regulate your heartbeat. It also may help your heart in other ways. Talk with your caregiver to find out what your heart medicine is and why you are taking it.
    
    
  • Recombinant human activated protein C: This is also called "rhAPC". This medicine breaks apart blood clots and prevents swelling.
    
    
  • Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Surgery: You may also need surgery to treat problems causing sepsis.

How can I find support and more information?

Having sepsis is a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have sepsis is hard. You and those close to you may feel confused, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• Society of Critical Care Medicine
  701 Lee Street, Suite 200
  Des Plaines , IL 60016
  Phone: 1- 847 - 8276869
  Web Address: http://www.sccm.org
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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