Lecture 5 - Acute Sepsis Flashcards
What is the definition of Sepsis?
A life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection
What is the definition of Septic shock?
A subset of sepsis where particularly profound circulatory, cellular and metabolic abnormalities substantially increase mortality
In simple terms what is sepsis?
It is characterised by inflammation
It’s where the reactions of the immune system to an INFECTION has become dysregulated/uncontrolled
What is bacteremia?
Presence of bacteria in the blood
What are the 5 signs of inflammation?
Rubor
Tumor
Calor
Dolor
Functio laesa
What is the pathophysiology of sepsis?
Infection stimulates Inflammatory response:
-Vasodilation (Rubor and Calor)
-Increased vascular permeability/capillary leakage (Tumor + Dolor)
-AMPLIFICATION of immune response (macrophages produce cytokines stimulating this)
What are the ways that microorganisms trigger the inflammtory response?
Gain entry into host
Adherence to host cells
Invasion into host cells/mucosal surfaces
What is the ABCDE effects of spepsis on organ systems?
Airways
Breathing
Circulation
Disability
Exposure
What airway issues may occur with sepsis?
No specific affect unlesss infection arises in throat or neck
Decreased consciousness may be at risk of problems of airways
What breathing issues may occur with sepsis?
Tachypnoae (Raised respiratory rate)
What circulation issues may occur with sepsis?
Hypovolaemia
Hypotension
Tachycardia
End organ damage
What disability issues may occur with sepsis?
Confusion
Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Decreased consciousness
What Exposure issues may occur with sepsis?
High temperature (Fever)
Elderly may get hypothermia
Why can respiratory issues (Tachypnoea) arise in sepsis?
Increased leakage of fluid out of capillaries into tissues like lungs decreases lungs ability for gas exchange
Respiratory rate increases to counteract this
Why can cardiac/circulatory issues arise in sepsis?
Vasodilation and increased capilary leakage means more fluid leaves blood
Results in hypovolaemia and hypotension
Tachycardia occurs, heart beats fastener to try and maintain the blood pressure/cardiac output
Organs don’t receive enough O2 blood so damage
Why may confusion and disability of the CNS occur in sepsis?
Reduced blood flow/perfusion to the brain