Sepsis Flashcards
What is Sepsis?
Life threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection
Sepsis Incidence?
Sepsis is a major killer. 150,000 cases in UK each year resulting in >44,000 deaths.
When/ where should Sepsis be suspected?
Anyone with a fever/ feeling unwell.
Often the key failure in sepsis management is not recognising sepsis in time. What tool can assist clinicians to spot it early?
News Scores
Sepsis Pathophysiology?
Dysregulated host response to the invasion of tissue by pathogens. The host response involves release of cytokines which involve inflammatory cells. Normally inflammation would be controlled by mediators but when this does not happen there is an inflammatory cascade leading to loss of capillary integrity, maldistribution of microvascular blood flow and stimulation of nitric oxide production which all = organ injury and dysfunction = death
What are some Sepsis Risk Factors?
Very young, <1yr Very old >75 Impaired immune system Recent surgery or skin breech Pregnant
What are some moderate to high risk criteria for Sepsis?
Reports of altered mental state RR 21-24 SBP 91-100 HR 91-130 Local signs of infection Rigors or <36 temp Impaired Immunity Recent invasive procedure
What are some high risk criteria?
Objective evidence of altered mental state RR> 24 SBP <90 HR >130 Cyanosis
Key to a Sepsis assessment is to check for signs of infection across the body systems. Discuss infection signs in relation to body systems?
General - Lethargy, fever/ rigor
Neuro - Headache, confusion, meningitis signs
Cardio - Dyspnoea
Resp - Dyspnoea, pleurisy, nought, sputum, haemoptysis, increased RR
GI - Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting
Genito-Urinary - UTI symptoms
Musculoskeletal - Hot painful joints
Skin - Cullulitis, ulcer, burns, purpuric rash
Sepsis A&M
ABCDE
TC
-Assess accurate resp rate is critical
-Difficulty getting sats indicates shock
