Signs of Sepsis (Severe infection)

Description

Occurs when an infection, usually bacterial, overwhelms the body's normal defenses. The bacteria produce toxins that cause the blood vessels to dilate and prevent the heart from beating normally. Left untreated patients die of multi-organ failure. 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), 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, low body temperature, hyperventilation, chills, shaking, warm skin, skin rash, feeling light headed, fainting, rapid heart beat, confusion, delirium, decreased urine output, weak pulse.

Tests

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.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
Troponin
UA
X-Ray
EKG

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.