13. Sepsis and serious infections in children

Question 1

Sepsis symptoms in children

Answer 1

• Tachycardia
• Tachypnoea
• Low BP
• Rash – positive glass test
• Prolonged capillary refill
• Fever
• Elevated lactate
• High or low WCC

Question 2

Organisms causing Sepsis in infants:

Answer 2

E coli, Gp B streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae

Question 3

Septicaemia treatment:

Answer 3

• Fluid resuscitation
• Glucose
• IV ceftriaxone
• Intubate and ventilate
• Electrolyte correction

Question 4

Meningitis treatment:

Answer 4

IV dexamethasone before Abx
IV ceftriaxone
Intubate and ventilate

Question 5

Febrile neutropenia definition:

Answer 5

Fever >38*C and Neutropenia (neutrophils <1)
Occurs in primary or secondary immunodeficiency
May develop neutropenic sepsis