If it continues, sepsis can develop into septic shock, a life-threatening situation in which organs begin to fail and blood pressure drops even more dramatically. Any kind of infection can trigger sepsis. But certain infections, such as pneumonia, abdominal or kidney infection, and infections that affect the blood, are more likely to cause sepsis.
Even with treatment, sepsis can progress to severe sepsis or septic shock, causing organ damage. Close monitoring and treatment for sepsis occur in the hospital setting, typically with a combination of antibiotics, intravenous fluids and other medications, including vasopressors, corticosteroids or pain relievers.
What are the differences among sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock? Sepsis refers to signs of inflammation in the presence of a presumed infection, Dr. Peters says. “Severe sepsis means you’ve got that and signs of organ damage: lung injury, impaired kidney function, impaired liver function,” Dr. Peters explains.
This is called a septic reaction or sepsis, and the mortality rate associated with it can be high. In fact, a new study suggests that sepsis is responsible for 20 percent of all deaths worldwide.
Septic arthritis — A wound in or near a joint or a draining arthritic cyst can result in a severe joint infection called septic arthritis. Bacteria can erode joint
In addition, Dr. Fryer expresses particular appreciation for the generous philanthropic support from Gary and Marilyn Gilmer, “that had been dedicated to neurological complications following septic injury and came at the very time that we had been thinking of how we would like to pursue this project but had little funding to do so.” ###