Failure to Treat Sepsis Can Create Dire Consequences
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated one in 25 patients admitted to the hospital will acquire an infection during their stay. A person who already has an infection, whether bacterial, viral or fungal, can experience a life-threatening complication called sepsis. Sepsis occurs when an infection that has not been treated adequately spreads throughout the body. It can lead to organ failure and then septic shock, which can be deadly in about half of the cases. The CDC report the four most common types of infection most often linked with sepsis include:
- Lungs (pneumonia)
- Kidney (urinary tract infection)
- Skin
- Gut
The CDC urges the importance of treating sepsis early with a campaign called, "Get ahead of sepsis. Know the Risks, Spot the signs, Act fast.” This is because sepsis should be treated as a medical emergency and the CDC issued a warning about the dangers of sepsis because when sepsis is treated quickly and aggressively, lives can be saved. Here are a few sepsis facts from the CDC:
- Sepsis begins outside of the hospital for nearly 80% of patients.
- A CDC evaluation found seven in ten patients had sepsis recently used health care services or had chronic diseases requiring frequent medical care.
- Sepsis occurs most often in people 65 years or older or younger than 1 year, with weakened immune systems, or with chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes).
What is a hospital-acquired infection?
A hospital-acquired infection is an infection that a patient contracts after they have been admitted to the hospital, and is unrelated to the medical condition for which they were admitted. Patients can be at risk for HAIs when their immune system is depressed from their illness or medical condition, they can be at risk because of inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, devices, water and air systems, and they can be exposed to infection due to lax hand-washing practices among doctors and other medical staff.
What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?
The CDC reports these warning signs of sepsis:
- Shivering, fever or very cold
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy or wet skin
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- High heart rate
Treatment for sepsis
Both hospital-acquired infections and sepsis can be treated with a wide-spectrum anti-biotics and intravenous fluids. Delaying the administration of antibiotics can lead to septic shock, which can be deadly.
Liability for hospital-acquired infection, sepsis and septic shock
When hospital staff fail to provide adequate care to prevent infections or treat them when they occur, when they fail to administer antibiotics in a timely manner to treat sepsis, the patient who suffers an injury or loved ones who have lost a family member because of septic shock may be able to take legal action against the medical professional or hospital responsible for their loved one's care.
If you or someone you care bout has been injured because of sepsis that went undiagnosed or untreated, an experienced medical malpractice attorney from Plaxen Adler Muncy is here to help protect your right to recover compensation.
Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is a premier medical malpractice law firm serving patients who have sustained injuries because of medical errors in health care settings throughout Maryland. You may call 410-730-7737 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation now with an attorney today.
Bruce Plaxen was honored as the 2009 Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Maryland Association for Justice. For more information on his legal background, please visit his attorney bio.