Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > S > Sepsis

Sepsis   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Septic shock; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)

Treatment

Individuals frequently require monitoring in an intensive care unit setting. "Broad spectrum" intravenous antibiotic therapy should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is suspected.

The number of antibiotics administered may be decreased when the results of blood cultures become available. The source of the infection should be identified if possible, which may mean further diagnostic testing. Sources such as infected intravenous lines or surgical drains can be removed, and sources such as abscesses can be surgically drained.

Supportive therapy with oxygen, intravenous fluids, and medications that increase blood pressure may be required for a good outcome. In the event of kidney failure, dialysis may be necessary, and mechanical ventilation is often required if respiratory failure occurs.

Prognosis

The death rate can be as high as 60% for people with underlying medical problems. Mortality is less (but still significant) in individuals without other medical problems.

Complications

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of sepsis occur. This condition can rapidly progress to become an emergency situation.

Ency. home > Disease > S > Sepsis

[an error occurred while processing this directive]