What causes sepsis — and are cases on the rise?

Sepsis rearing its ugly head.

MP Craig Mackinlay made a courageous return to Parliament this week after loosing all four limbs to sepsis.

The Times newspaper this week raised the issue of whether Sepsis on the increase.

In general, symptoms of sepsis can include:

•     Chills.

•     Confusion or delirium.

•     Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)

•     Lightheadedness due to low blood pressure.

•     Rapid heartbeat.

•     Skin rash or mottled skin.

•     Warm skin.

The classic glass test, Presings a clear glass tumbler firmly against the rash. If you can see the marks clearly through the glass, get urgent medical help immediately. Check the entire body. Look out for tiny red or brown pin-prick marks which can change into larger red or purple blotches and blood blisters.

The main treatment for sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock is antibiotics. These will be given directly into a vein (intravenously). Ideally, antibiotic treatment should start within an hour of diagnosis. Intravenous antibiotics are usually replaced by tablets after 2 to 4 days.

Early diagnosis is often key to survival and treatment. It is often a difficult balance for a busy clinician dealing with the demands of a busy practice. This should not however detract from their primary duty to act appropriately.

A health care professional will be deemed negligent if the treatment, or lack of it, is deemed to have fallen below the standard expected of a reasonably competent clinician, dealing with the patient’s particular condition at that time.

It is important a clinician identifies the signs and symptoms of Sepsis.

The patient would then have to prove an earlier referral would have made a difference to the outcome. If an earlier referral would have made no difference, then there is no causative effect.

Clinicians are effectively judged by their peers in Clinical Negligence settings.  Expert evidence is usually required to prove the treatment was below standard.

If you, a loved one, or a friend believe there has been a delay or failure to treat Sepsis and would like some advice, please contact one of the team for some No win, no fee, no obligation advice.

We accept cases on a no win no fee basis, backed by an After the Event Insurance policy, when required.