September is Sepsis Awareness Month, providing an important opportunity to raise awareness of a serious medical condition that can develop rapidly and, without prompt treatment, can be life-threatening.

 

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It can occur when the immune system turns on healthy tissues and organs, which can lead to organ failure and death if not treated immediately.

Early recognition and treatment is vital.

 

What are the signs of sepsis?

Sepsis does not always present in the same way and its symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for those of the underlying infection.

Potential warning signs are different in adult and children. Common symptoms in adults include:

  • Confusion or slurred speech;
  • Uncontrollable shivering;
  • Muscle pain;
  • Difficulty breathing;
  • Blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue;
  • A high or low temperature; and
  • Not passing urine or passing very little urine in 18 hours.

Common symptoms in children include:

  • Difficulty breathing or breathing faster;
  • Having a fit (seizure);
  • A high or low temperature;
  • Blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue;
  • A rash that does not fade when you press it;
  • Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake; and
  • Not passing urine or passing very little urine in 18 hours.

 

What is the treatment for sepsis?

Sepsis is treated in hospital and treatment depends on factors such as age and how severe the sepsis is.

Treatment for sepsis includes antibiotics, oxygen and fluids.

 

When can sepsis lead to a clinical negligence claim?

Unfortunately, there are occasions when sepsis is not recognised or treated as quickly as it should be.

A claim may arise from the following circumstances:

  • failing to recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis;
  • failing to carry out appropriate investigations;
  • failing to monitor a patient appropriately;
  • failing to administer appropriate treatment within the necessary timeframe;
  • failing to escalate concerns or seek specialist assistance; or
  • failing to respond appropriately when a patient’s condition deteriorates.

 

What can happen when sepsis is not treated promptly?

Sepsis can lead to serious complications, including organ damage, septic shock and, in the most severe cases, death.

For patients who survive, the consequences can sometimes be long-lasting. Recovery may involve prolonged hospital treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing physical or psychological difficulties.

 

What should you do if you believe you or a family member has a claim?

If you believe that you or a family member have a claim for clinical negligence arising from any of the above circumstances, please contact one of our specialist clinical negligence Solicitors today to discuss a potential claim.