Septicaemia

Septicaemia, also known as sepsis, is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled and causes widespread inflammation.

Definition

Septicaemia is defined as a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by a suspected or documented infection, leading to organ dysfunction or failure.

Causes

Septicaemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or skin infections
• Viral infections, such as influenza or COVID-19
• Fungal infections, such as candidiasis
• Parasitic infections, such as malaria

Symptoms

The symptoms of septicaemia can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Fever or hypothermia
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Tachypnea (rapid breathing rate)
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Stages

Septicaemia can progress through several stages, including:

• SIRS: a systemic inflammatory response to an infection
• Sepsis: SIRS with a suspected or documented infection
• Severe sepsis: sepsis with organ dysfunction or failure
• Septic shock: severe sepsis with hypotension that is not responsive to fluid resuscitation

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of septicaemia is based on a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic tests include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
• Blood cultures
• Urinalysis and urine culture
• Chest radiograph or other imaging studies

Treatment

The treatment of septicaemia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common treatments include:

• Antibiotics: to treat the underlying infection
• Fluid resuscitation: to maintain blood pressure and perfusion of vital organs
• Vasopressors: to support blood pressure
• Oxygen therapy: to support respiratory function
• Supportive care: to manage organ dysfunction or failure

Complications

Septicaemia can lead to several complications, including:

• Organ dysfunction or failure (e.g. acute kidney injury, respiratory failure)
• Coagulopathy (blood clotting disorders)
• Cardiovascular collapse
• Mortality: septicaemia has a high mortality rate, especially if left untreated or undertreated

Prevention

Prevention of septicaemia involves:

• Practicing good hygiene and infection control measures
• Receiving recommended vaccinations (e.g. influenza, pneumococcal)
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use
• Seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms of infection occur