Sepsis Flashcards
What is sepsis?
a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection.
What is maternal sepsis?
organ dysfunction resulting from infection during pregnancy, childbirth, post-abortion, or postpartum period.
What can we do to catch sepsis?
flu vax, obs, senior rv.
What are some common difficulties?
Failure to measure RR, delayed ABX, delayed cultures/lactate
Who is at higher risk of sepsis?
Diabetes, C-section, forceps, PROM, obesity, cervical suture.
Main sources of infection?
Strep A/B, E coli, MRSA,
How often is culture positive sepsis observed?
30-40% of cases
What is amplification?
releasing kinins and histamine
Which systems are involved in Sepsis?
immune system and the coagulation cascade.
Main signs of infection/Sepsis?
Pain, redness, heat and swelling
Symptoms of sepsis?
rash, confusion, Tachypnoea, Hypotension, tachycardia, Pyrexia or hypothermia.
Signs of sepsis?
fever, D&V, offensive discharge, abdo pain
ABCDE approach?
A - Airway
B - Breathing
C - Circulation
D - Disability
E - Exposure
What should we take when sepsis occurs?
Blood cultures, bloods (lactate, FBC, CRP), urine output
What is abnormal lactate in pregnancy?
> 2
