Overview of Sepsis

Question 1

What is sepsis?

Answer 1

• Clinical diagnosis

- Infection causing a dysfunctional immune response leading to organ dysfunction

Question 2

How to Diagnose in Hospital?

Answer 2

1. Acute confusion/altered mental state
2. Hypoxic, altered resp. rate
3. Low BP
4. Hypoperfusion and high serum lactate
5. Oliguria, dysuria, frequency, high creatinine

Question 3

Pathophysiology of sepsis?

Answer 3

Immune response is hyperactive

• Host immune response to pathogen
• Increased release of pro inflammatory mediators and cytokines
• Activate coagulation, fibrinolysis, and complement systems
• Uncontrolled inflammation=> Organ damage

Question 4

Risk factors for sepsis?

Answer 4

General 
 - Immunocompromised 
 - Chronic co morbidities 
 - Extremes of Age 
Pregnancy 
 - Amniocentesis 
 - Pelvic infection 
 - Strep B infection 
 - Strep A infection in close contacts 
 - Geriatric pregnancy 
 - Premature membrane rupture 
 - Retained products

Question 5

Common infective sources of sepsis?

Answer 5

1. Resp
2. UTI
3. Intrabdominal
4. IV
5. Devices
6. CNS

Question 6

Principles of Management?

Answer 6

1. Optimise organ perfusion
2. Eliminate the infection
3. Support dysfunctional organ systems

Question 7

Principles when choosing antimcrobials?

Answer 7

1. Site of infection
2. Acquisition
3. Previous antibiotics
4. Previous microbiology
5. Allergies