How Do Doctors Make the Diagnosis?

A diagnosis of sepsis is made based on a person's symptoms. Blood tests are performed to identify the bacteria and to look for a low platelet count (an indicator of the blood-clotting problems seen with sepsis) and an abnormally Iow or high white blood cell count (both can occur with sepsis). Other tests can help show damage to vital organs, such as the kidneys.

Can Sepsis Be Treated?

As soon as a diagnosis of sepsis is suspected, treatment with intravenous antibiotics begins. Patients with sepsis are hospitalized in an intensive care unit, where they may be given oxygen, intravenous fluids, and medication to stabilize blood pressure, treat other symptoms, and kill the bacteria responsible for the condition. Dialysis may be necessary if the patient's kidneys fail. If respiratory failure* occurs, patients usually are placed on a respirator, a machine that aids their breathing until they can breathe again on their own. If the patient survives, recovery from sepsis can take weeks.

What Are the Complications of Sepsis?

Septic shock may occur in patients with sepsis. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a complication associated with sepsis in which the body's blood-clotting system is out of control, a problem that can lead to serious internal bleeding. This complication usually improves when the cause of sepsis is treated. Sepsis can be fatal, depending on the infectious agent and on the age and overall health of the patient. Quick diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and save lives.

How Is Sepsis Prevented?

Sepsis may not be preventable in many cases, but an carly response to symptoms may stop a bacterial infection from progressing to sepsis. Early treatment is particularly important with regard to people with weak immunesystems. Among hospitalized patients, efforts are made to limit the use of intravenous and urinary catheters, which are both common entry points for sepsis-causing bacteria. Following a recommended vaccination schedule for children can lessen their risk of contracting certain infections that might lead to sepsis. Immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae is recommended for infants and for adults and children at high risk due to age or medical problems. This vaccine is highly effective in preventing pneumonia and sepsis caused by this organism.

Pregnant women typically are tested to determine whether they are carrying group B streptococcus bacteria in their vagina. Treating these women with antibiotics during pregnancy may reduce the risk of passing the bacterium from mother to child. People with medical conditions, such as sickle-cell disease, that put them at greater risk for developing serious bacterial infections are prescribed antibiotics to decrease the chance that sepsis can develop.

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