Overview

Sepsis is a critical organ dysfunction caused due to a dysregulated host response to infection. If not diagnosed early and managed well, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure and even death. It is primarily a severe complication of infection, representing a significant cause of maternal and newborn morbidity.

Infections from health care environments frequently cause sepsis.

Antimicrobial resistance is a frequent reason for unresponsiveness to medication and the rapid development of sepsis. Patients with resistant pathogens have a higher risk of hospital fatality.

Good hygiene practices, access to vaccination programmes, improved sanitation and water quality, and other infection prevention and control practices in the community and health care settings are critical steps in reducing sepsis. 

Advanced diagnosis, informed and appropriate management of sepsis is important to increase the probability of survival. 

The start of sepsis could be severe and short-term, but it can also cause significant long-term morbidity requiring treatment and support. Therefore, sepsis needs a collaborative strategy.

Symptoms

Sepsis can produce various symptoms at different times, including:

• fever or low temperature and shivering
• altered mental status
• difficulty breathing
• increased heart rate
• weak pulse/low blood pressure
• low urine production
• cyanotic or mottled skin
• cold extremities
• severe body pain

Diagnosis and Management

After early recognition, diagnostics to identify a causal infection pathogen are essential to guide targeted antimicrobial treatment. Once the source is determined, source control is critical. 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can endanger the cure because experimental antibiotic treatment is often required in such cases.  

Early fluid resuscitation to improve volume status is also essential in the initial phase of sepsis management. 

Vasopressors may be needed to improve and maintain tissue perfusion. Iterative exams and evaluations guide the appropriate management of sepsis for a long time.

PGC Sheet

Numbers: Studies have found that the sepsis death rate is approximately 213 per 1,00,000 people in India.

PGC Resolution: Sepsis prevention, control and management, including vaccination drives in collaboration with other organizations and partners. Creating awareness about public health impacts of sepsis. Implement standards and establish guidelines, infrastructure, laboratory capacity, strategies, and tools to identify reducing morbidity and mortality due to sepsis.