10.6: Sepsis
- Page ID
- 90419
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)One might ask, if antibiotic resistance is such a problem, why do we still prescribe antibiotics? The reason is that untreated infections can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is a severe medical condition characterized by a systemic response to infection that can lead to organ dysfunction and failure. Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in the U.S., and it is estimated that tens of thousands of people die from sepsis each year.
The symptoms of sepsis can vary from person to person, but they typically include fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, altered mental state, dyspnea, and organ dysfunction. Sepsis can cause a high fever with a temperature above 101°F (38.3°C) or, conversely, a dangerously low body temperature below 96.8°F (36°C). An elevated heart rate, typically exceeding 90 beats per minute, is expected in sepsis. The heart rate may become significantly higher as the condition worsens. Increased respiratory rate, often more than 20 breaths per minute, may occur as the body attempts to compensate for the decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. Sepsis can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to shock. Confusion, disorientation, and changes in consciousness are common in sepsis. Patients may appear unusually agitated or lethargic. Rapid breathing and shortness of breath can occur as the body struggles to get enough oxygen to vital organs. As sepsis progresses, multiple organ systems may malfunction, leading to symptoms related to specific organs.
Organ system malfunction from sepsis affects the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, digestive system, and skin. Kidney failure results in reduced urine output or dark, concentrated urine. Liver dysfunction leads to jaundice. Lung dysfunction results in difficulty in oxygenating the blood, leading to increased respiratory distress. When the cardiovascular system is affected, it results in irregular heartbeats or chest pain. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may manifest when the digestive system starts to fail. The skin may appear mottled or discolored, often with a bluish tint. This is a sign of poor circulation and inadequate oxygen supply. In some cases, sepsis can cause abnormal blood clotting or bleeding issues.
It's important to note that sepsis can progress rapidly, so any signs or symptoms of sepsis should be taken seriously, mainly if they occur in someone with an existing infection or a compromised immune system. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving the chances of survival. In severe sepsis, patients are admitted to the hospital, possibly the intensive care unit (MedlinePlus, 2023b).