Sepsis
What
is it?
Sepsis
is a bacterial infection in the bloodstream or the
tissues of the body.
Who
gets it?
Sepsis
can occur in infants and children, especially
those with chronic diseases or illnesses that
compromise the immune system. Premature infants
are also at higher risk.
What
causes it?
Most of
us have bacteria in the bloodstream (called
bacteremia) at some time or another, but have no
symptoms. This is because our white blood cells
normally remove the bacteria before it can cause
any harm. Sepsis occurs when there are too many
bacteria for the white blood cells to remove. The
microscopic bacteria that cause sepsis can enter
the body in many ways—from the intestines, through
broken skin, or through invasive procedures like
dental work and surgery. Medical advances have
made invasive procedures a more common treatment
method for very young and very sick children.
However, these otherwise lifesaving procedures put
seriously ill patients at risk for developing
sepsis if bacteria enter the body through catheter
or IV sites, surgical drains, surgical incisions,
or surgical equipment left in place for extended
periods of time. Sepsis can also occur if bacteria
from an infection in the body, such as pneumonia
or a urinary tract infection, move into the
bloodstream.
What
are the symptoms?
The
most common symptoms of sepsis are flu-like, and
include high fever and shaking chills. Additional
symptoms vary depending upon the type of bacteria
causing the infection, the age of the child, and
any underlying illnesses the child may have. They
can include rapid breathing, rapid or slow heart
rate, purplish patches on the skin caused by small
hemorrhages, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and
extreme fatigue. Severe cases can cause coma.
Sepsis can become life threatening if it causes
the blood pressure to drop to dangerously low
levels, called septic shock.
How is
it diagnosed?
A
doctor suspects sepsis whenever a child with an
infection or with risk factors for sepsis develops
a sudden high fever and other characteristic
symptoms. To make a definite diagnosis, the doctor
will study a blood sample for white blood cell
levels and study a blood culture for the type of
organism causing the infection. He or she will
also order a urinalysis and urine culture. The
doctor may also perform a lumbar puncture (spinal
tap) to look for bacteria in the spinal fluid.
Additional tests may be ordered to rule out other
possible causes of the child’s symptoms.
What
is the treatment?
The
treatment for sepsis depends upon the cause, any
underlying conditions, and the age of the child.
However, it begins with antibiotics, usually
administered intravenously in a hospital pediatric
intensive care unit (PICU) or neonatal intensive
care unit (NICU). Once laboratory results are in,
the type of antibiotic may be changed to one or a
combination that is most effective against the
specific type of bacteria causing the infection.
Healthcare professionals will remove any catheters
or other types of invasive medical equipment left
in the body if they are determined to be the cause
of infection. Septic shock is treated with IV
fluids to raise blood pressure, as well as
antibiotics. Oxygen therapy may also be used to
help with breathing.
Self-care tips
It is
important to notify your doctor immediately if
your child develops a sudden high fever and
shaking chills, especially if he or she has
recently undergone surgery or has other risk
factors for sepsis. Prompt treatment is important.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
