What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream by toxin-producing bacteria, which can develop anywhere in the body. Sepsis can accompany meningitis, infections of the bone in hospitalized patients, intravenous lines, surgical wounds or breaks in the skin. In sepsis, blood pressure drops, resulting in shock. Major organs and systems stop functioning normally.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Fever

• Confusion

• Slurred speech

• Rapid heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Clammy/sweaty skin

• Severe chills with shaking

• Skin rash

• Has not urinated in 12 hours or longer

• Extreme pain/muscle discomfort

Risk Factors

People at higher risk for sepsis include:

• Adults 65 or older

• People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer and kidney disease

• People with weakened immune systems

• People with recent severe illness, hospitalization or surgery

• People who survived sepsis

• People who are pregnant or post-partum

• Children younger than 1 year old

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of sepsis is confirmed by a blood culture positive for bacteria, a white blood cell count either too high or low and/or other laboratory tests. 

Treatment

Treatment for sepsis requires prompt intravenous treatment with a broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic. The original source of the infection must be identified and then treated with the appropriate antibiotics.