Sepsis

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body has an extreme response to an infection. It is a medical emergency that needs treatment right away. 

Sepsis develops when an infection causes widespread inflammation throughout the body. Sepsis can worsen quickly. It can cause poor blood flow to the body’s tissues and organs. When tissues and organs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients from the blood, they may not work properly. Without prompt treatment, sepsis can damage tissues and lead to organ failure or death.

Call your child’s care team right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you think your child may have sepsis. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.

Symptoms of sepsis

Signs and symptoms of sepsis include: 

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above 
• Chills 
• Fast heart rate 
• Low blood pressure 
• Pale, bluish, mottled (blotchy), flushed, cool, or clammy skin 
• Confused, hard to wake up, or less responsive 
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing 
• Pain or discomfort 
• Poor appetite 
• Decrease in urine (pee) or having fewer wet diapers 
• Acting irritable, fussy, or different than usual 

Causes of sepsis

Sepsis starts with an infection. Almost any type of infection can lead to sepsis, but bacterial infections are the most common cause. Viruses, fungi, or parasites can also cause infections that lead to sepsis. 

Some children are more likely to get sepsis after an infection. Risk factors for sepsis include:  

• Weakened immune system, including a low white blood cell count 
• Infection or open wound 
• Recent surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy 
• Having an IV, central line, urinary catheter, or other medical device 
• Not having a spleen or the spleen does not work well 
• Cancer, sickle cell disease, or other condition that affects the immune system 

Diagnosis of sepsis

Your child's care team will do a medical exam and tests to diagnose the infection to see how it is affecting the body. Tests for sepsis may include: 

• Blood tests and blood cultures  
• Urine tests  
• Spinal fluid tests  
• Stool sample tests  
• Chest x-ray  
• Other imaging tests if needed 

If you notice signs or symptoms of sepsis, seek medical care right away. Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment, often in the hospital. 

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and how sepsis is affecting your child's body. Your child's care team will work quickly to treat the infection and support vital body functions. 

Medicines to treat infection 

Sepsis most often develops after a bacterial infection. Antibiotic medicines treat infections caused by bacteria. Your child will usually get antibiotics until doctors know what germ is causing the infection. If bacteria are the cause, the doctor will tell you how long your child needs antibiotics. If another germ is suspected, your child may get a different medicine to treat the infection. 

Supportive care and monitoring 

Your care team will closely monitor your child and give supportive care while the infection is treated. Care for sepsis may include: 

• Fluids through an IV to help maintain blood pressure and improve blood flow to tissues and organs  
• Medicine to treat fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®)  
• Oxygen through a mask or small tubes placed in the nose to help with breathing  
• Monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen levels  

How to prevent sepsis

The best way to prevent sepsis is to prevent infections and treat them early. To help prevent infections and lower the risk of sepsis:

• Wash hands often with soap and water. 
• Clean and disinfect household surfaces. 
• Bathe your child daily.  
• Help your child brush teeth and follow mouth care routines. 
• Have your child wear a face mask as instructed by your care team. 
• Avoid crowds and people who are sick. 
• Keep up with recommended vaccines. 
• Care for wounds as instructed by your care team. 
• Change wet or soiled dressings (bandages) as soon as possible. 
• Follow instructions for how to care for devices, such as central lines and urinary catheters.  
• Know signs and symptoms of infection and contact your care team if they occur.  

Questions to ask your care team

• What is sepsis? 
• Is my child at higher risk for sepsis?  
• What infections are most likely to cause sepsis?   
• What signs and symptoms of sepsis should I watch for?  
• How can I help prevent infections at home?  
• How is sepsis treated? 
• Are there any long-term effects of sepsis? 
• When should I call the care team or go to the emergency room?  

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