Sepsis FREE

Sepsis is a medical condition in which the immune system goes into overdrive, releasing chemicals into the blood to combat infection (microbes in the blood, urine, lungs, skin, or other tissues) that trigger widespread inflammation (cellular injury in body tissues). If the body is not able to regulate this immune response, it then overwhelms normal blood processes. The first mention of the word sepsis in a medical context was more than 2700 years ago in the poems of Homer. The word derives from the Greek word sepein, meaning "to rot." Sepsis occurs in 1% to 2% of all hospitalizations in the United States, affecting at least 750 000 persons and costing $17 billion per year to treat. A term sometimes used for sepsis is "blood poisoning," but there is no poison involved in sepsis. The February 24, 2010, issue of JAMA includes an article about possible treatments for early sepsis.

The American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of Critical Care Medicine have established 4 different levels of sepsis. The levels and symptoms are as follows:

The diagnosis of sepsis is usually confirmed with cultures of body fluids.

Sepsis is more common and more dangerous in elderly persons, individuals with a compromised immune system, and persons who are already critically ill. Patients with sepsis require prompt medical attention and are usually treated in the intensive care unit with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Due to complications of sepsis, patients may need specific medications to maintain blood pressure, and artificial ventilation or dialysis may be needed to support function of the lungs or kidneys. Central venous catheters (tubes) and arterial catheters may be needed to help guide therapy. Patients with sepsis require preventive measures for deep vein thrombosis, stress ulcers, and pressure ulcers. Mortality rates are high, with 20% for sepsis, 40% for severe sepsis, and more than 60% for septic shock. Those who recover may have some permanent organ damage. Recently, physicians have been using activated protein C (a natural protein that inhibits inflammation) to treat some cases of severe sepsis and septic shock. Overall, it reduces risk of dying of severe sepsis slightly, but it increases the risk of bleeding, is expensive, and many patients do not benefit from it.

To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A previous Patient Page on sepsis was published in the June 17, 2009, issue.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, American College of Chest Physicians, Society of Critical Care Medicine

The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 312/464-0776.

TOPIC: CRITICAL ILLNESS