Sepsis Flashcards
What is Sepsis?
Condition where body launches large immune response to infection
What are the RF for Sepsis? (7 things)
- Very young / old (under 1 / over 75)
- Chronic conditions (e.g COPD / DM)
- Chemo / immunosuppressants / steroids
- Surgery
- Trauma / burns
- Pregnancy
- Medical devices (e.g catheters / central lines)
What does Sepsis cause pathophysiologically?
Systemic inflamm –> Affects functioning of organs
What is the main thing that is released in the pathophysiology of Sepsis?
Cytokines
What do Cytokines cause in Sepsis? (3 steps)
- Endothelial lining of blood vessels –> more permeable
- Fluid leaks out of blood –> Extracellular space –> Oedema
- Reduction in Intravasc volume
What does Oedema cause in Sepsis?
Reduction in O2 reaching tissues
How does Oedema in Sepsis cause reduction in O2 reaching tissues? (2 steps)
- Creates space between blood and tissues
- This reduces amount of O2 reaching tissues
What does Sepsis do in terms of coagulation?
Actives coagulation system
What does Activation of Coagulation system in Sepsis lead to? (2 steps)
- Deposition of Fibrin throughout circulation
- This compromises organ + tissue perfusion
What major complication can Activation of Coagulation system lead to in Sepsis?
Disseminated Intravasc Coagulopathy (DIC)
How can Sepsis cause Disseminated Intravasc Coagulopathy (DIC)? (3 steps)
- Consumption of Platelets + Clotting factors (used to to form clots within circ system)
- Thrombocytopaenia + Haemorrhages + X form clots
- Disseminated Intravasc Coagulopathy (DIC)
What does tissue hypoperfusion lead to in Sepsis, in terms of ABG results?
Rise in blood lactate
How does Sepsis lead to raised Lactate? (3 steps)
- Tissue is starving for O2
- Switches to Anaerobic resp
- Waste product of this = lactate
What are the numerical definitions of Septic Shock? (2 things)
Either:
1. Systolic BP less than 90 (despite fluid resus)
1. Lactate 4+
How should you Mx Septic shock?
Aggressive IV fluids
(to improve BP + tissue perfusion)