Sepsis

Afsha Rais Kaisani, FAAFP, MD and Tasaduq Hussain Mir, FAAFP, MD Reviewed 04/2024

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3) define the currently recognized terminology.
Sepsis: life-threatening acute organ dysfunction caus...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

A thorough history, including medical, surgical, social, occupational, and travel to identify risk factors and potential sources.

Systems with specific symptoms:

Constitutional: Fever...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

First airway/respiratory stabilization, then sepsis bundle: fluid resuscitation and antibiotics.
Targets to measure clinical response are:
- Central venous oxyhemogl...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Follow-up with a primary care physician on discharge to review physical, cognitive and emotional problems related to sepsis. Physical rehab improves quality of li...

REFERENCES

Evans L, Rhodes A, Alhazzani W, et al. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2021. Intensive Care Med. 2021;49(11):e1063-e1143.

Gau...

ADDITIONAL READING

Ferreira LD, McCants D, Velamuri S. Using machine learning for process improvement in sepsis management. J Healthc Qual Res. 2022:S2603-6479(22)00085-9. doi: 10...

CODES

ICD10

A41.9 Sepsis, unspecified organism
A41 Other sepsis
R65.2 Severe sepsis
R65.20 Severe sepsis without septic shock
A41.8 Other specified sepsis
A41.89 Other specified sepsis
O85 Puerperal sepsis
A4...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Avoid the qSOFA when diagnosing sepsis; SIRS, the National Early Warning Score, and the Modified Early Warning Score are more accurate.
Treat sepsis promptly and aggressively. Lactate l...

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