Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that can develop quickly and have devastating consequences. During Sepsis Awareness Month, we look at what sepsis is, who is most at risk, the signs to look out for and how medical negligence can sometimes play a part in the harm caused.
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. If it isn’t recognised and treated promptly, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure and death.
Sepsis always starts with an infection, but not everyone who develops an infection will go on to develop sepsis. It can be difficult to identify, particularly in its early stages, as there is no single symptom or diagnostic test that confirms sepsis.
Early recognition and treatment can be crucial. This is why understanding the signs of sepsis and knowing when to seek medical attention is so important.
What Causes Sepsis?
Almost any infection can trigger sepsis. It most commonly develops as a result of a bacterial infection, although fungal and viral infections can also lead to sepsis.
Some of the infections most commonly associated with sepsis include:
- Chest infections, including pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Infections in the abdomen, such as appendicitis or gallbladder infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections, including cellulitis and infected wounds
It isn’t always possible to predict who will develop sepsis following an infection. Factors including the type and location of the infection, the number of pathogens present and an individual’s underlying health can all play a role.
Who Is Impacted By Sepsis?
Sepsis can affect anyone, including people who are otherwise fit and healthy. However, some groups are at greater risk of developing an infection and subsequently sepsis.
These include babies under one, adults over 75 or those who are very frail, people with impaired immune systems, and pregnant women.
While these groups may be more vulnerable, sepsis is indiscriminate. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, which is one of the reasons awareness of the condition is so important.
What Are The Signs of Sepsis?
The UK Sepsis Trust highlights six signs in adults:
S – Slurred speech or confusion
E – Extreme shivering or muscle pain
P – Passing no urine in a day
S – Severe breathlessness
I – It feels like you’re going to die
S – Skin mottled or discoloured
Symptoms can vary between adults and children. Children may show signs including very fast breathing, a seizure, mottled or bluish skin, a non-blanching rash, unusual lethargy or difficulty waking, or feeling abnormally cold.
If you are concerned that you or someone else may have sepsis, seek urgent medical attention. The UK Sepsis Trust advises calling 999 or attending A&E where appropriate.
Facts About Sepsis
The scale of sepsis in the UK is significant.
The UK Sepsis Trust describes sepsis as a major cause of illness and death, while also highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment.
How Can Medical Negligence Be Involved In A Sepsis Case?
Developing sepsis does not, by itself, mean that medical negligence has occurred. In some cases, however, there may be concerns about whether healthcare professionals acted appropriately when a patient showed signs of infection or sepsis.
For example, there may be questions about whether symptoms were recognised, whether appropriate tests were carried out, whether the patient was monitored appropriately, or whether treatment was provided within a reasonable timeframe.
Where sepsis is not diagnosed or treated promptly, the consequences can be serious. A person may suffer avoidable complications, long-term physical or psychological injury, or, in the most serious cases, death.
How Can Our Medical Negligence Team Help?
If you or someone close to you has suffered serious harm after developing sepsis, you may have questions about whether the care you received was appropriate.
Our Medical Negligence team can help you understand what happened and whether there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim. This can involve reviewing the medical treatment received, obtaining relevant medical records and seeking independent medical evidence to establish whether the standard of care was met and whether any failings contributed to the harm suffered.
Every case is different, and experiencing a poor outcome following sepsis does not automatically mean that someone was negligent. However, if you have concerns about the care you or a loved one received, speaking to a specialist solicitor can help you understand your options.
If you believe you or a loved one may have suffered avoidable harm as a result of a failure to recognise or treat sepsis, our team is here to help. Call us on 0800 118 1500 or complete the form below.
Disclaimer
The contents of this blog or any other published by Talbots Law cannot be considered as legal advice. You should take no action without prior consultation with a qualified solicitor or legal professional. The contents of this blog refers to the process in England and Wales.
This blog was written by Rajni Kandola, Senior Associate & Solicitor, in our Medical Negligence team.