Sepsis Flashcards
What pathogens can cause Sepsis? (5 things)
- N. meningitides
- Strep pneumoniae
- Staph aureus
- Group A/B Strep
- E coli
What is Sepsis defined as?
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in the presence of infection
What are the RF for Sepsis? (5 things)
- Neonate + Young baby under 3 months (esp if premature)
- Hx of prolonged rupture of membrane
- Hx of Maternal intrapartum pyrexia
- Hx of GBS in Mum
- Immunocompromised children
What are the CF of Sepsis? (5 things)
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Nausea + Vomiting
- Abd pain
What are the CF of Septic Shock? (4 things)
- Confusion
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Cool peripheries
What is good about kids and Septic shock?
Kids compensate well and only develop hypotension as a Late sign
What might confuse you with kids and Septic shock?
Tachycardia occurs even in relatively well children w fever
Why do you get a high Lactate in Septic shock? (4 things)
- Hypotension
- Organ hypo-perfusion
- Organs begin anaerobic respiration
- Lactate produced
What kind of tachycardia suggests srs inf / sepsis in kids? (2 things)
- Tachycardia disproportionate to fever
- Tachycardia not resolving when temperature settles
Can you see Sepsis with no fever?
Yes especially in very unwell kids
(sometimes you might even see hypothermia)
Fever and what other CF suggest a Meningococcal sepsis?
Non-blanching rash
Which kids need to be urgently treated for Sepsis even b4 Dx made, until proven otherwise?
Under 3 months + Temp over 38
What investigations can be done for sepsis? (4 things)
- Inflamm markers
- Blood cultures
- PCR
- ABG (to see metabolic acidosis w raised lactate)
Why are the investigations for sepsis not that useful?
Dx is clinical
What investigations should you do for sus sepsis in under 3 months old? (5 things)
- FBC
- CRP
- Blood culture
- Urine testing
- Stool culture (if diarrhoea)
