Sepsis: A life-threatening condition caused by the body's excessive response to an infection, damaging its own tissues.
Septic Shock: A severe form of sepsis characterized by a body-wide deficiency of blood supply, leading to oxygen deprivation, waste product buildup, and potential organ failure.
Symptoms
Fever
Weakness
Sweating
Rapid heart rate
Increased breathing rate
Signs of septic shock include:
Decreased blood pressure
Signs of organ damage (e.g., confusion, reduced urine output)
Changes in skin condition (warm or flushed becoming cold, sweaty, mottled or bluish)
Causes
Any infection can lead to sepsis.
Common infections leading to sepsis:
Bacterial infections in the lungs, digestive, and urinary organs.
Post-surgery infections or infected catheters.
Septic Shock is more common in:
Newborns
Elderly individuals
Pregnant women
Those with compromised immune systems or chronic diseases
Other risk factors:
Extended hospital stays
Invasive devices
Overuse of antibiotics or corticosteroids
Pathogenesis
Immune system overwhelmed by infection.
Systemic cytokine release causing:
Widespread vasodilation
Capillary fluid leakage
Activation of coagulation process leading to blood clots
Possible bleeding due to depleted clotting factors
Results in:
Poor capillary flow
Reduced oxygen supply
Impaired removal of carbon dioxide and waste
Organ dysfunction and potential failure
Diagnosis
Primarily clinical diagnosis with confirmation of infection.
Elevated blood lactate levels indicate shock.
Blood tests for organ damage and infection.
Cultures from urine, respiratory or wound secretions.
Imaging tests to identify infection source.
Rule out other causes of shock.
Treatment
Early and aggressive treatment is critical
Intravenous fluids and vasopressors to restore blood flow.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics initially; specific antibiotics once organism is identified.
Additional measures to control infection.
Supportive care:
Supplemental oxygen
Mechanical ventilation or dialysis in case of organ failure.