Septic Shock Complications

Septic shock is a condition that results from an infection and can have life-threatening complications. Children and the elderly are most susceptible as well as individuals who suffer from certain chronic illnesses. Any type of bacteria can cause septic shock, as can fungi and certain types of viruses.

Introduction

• Sepsis syndrome arises from infection and the inflammation that the infection creates, called systemic inflammatory response syndrome, or SIRS. Symptoms of SIRS include increases in body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral leukocyte count. According to Dr. Michael Filbin at Massachusetts General Hospital, cases of sepsis syndrome are defined based on the severity of symptoms.

Features

• Sepsis is the presence of SIRS in the beginning of infection and severe sepsis is infection that results in end-organ dysfunction as a result of hypoperfusion (decreased blood flow through an organ). Septic shock is severe sepsis with persistent hypotension (low blood pressure) that results in tissue hypoperfusion.

Causes

• Septic shock often occurs in individuals who are predisposed to infection, such as those suffering from diabetes and immune system-compromising diseases. Individuals with immune system-compromising diseases are especially at high risk, especially those with cancer, with end-stage renal or liver disease, or with advanced HIV.

Complications

• Septic shock can affect many parts of the body, including brain, hearth, liver, kidneys, and intestines. Symptoms include chills, high or low body temperature, low urine output, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, agitation, confusion, and lethargy. Septic shock also has a high death rate, according to the National Institute of Health. Death rate depends on the severity of infection, the number of failed organs, and the aggressiveness of medical help. Specific complications include congestive heart failure, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and multiple organ failure.

Treatment

• Early recognition is vital to the successful treatment of septic shock. Individuals are usually hospitalized and given supplemental oxygen, antibiotics, an IV bag of an isotonic crystalloid solution (main type of fluid used in fluid replacement.) The condition of the patient's organs are closely monitored.