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Septic shock Causes and Risks:
Septic shock occurs more often in the very old and the very young and in people with other underlying illnesses. Many bacterial organisms can cause septic shock. Toxins released by bacteria can cause tissue damage and interfere with normal blood circulation.
The risk factors include underlying illnesses such as diabetes ; hematologic cancers; and diseases of the genitourinary system, liver or biliary system , and intestinal system. Other risk factors are recent infection, prolonged antibiotic therapy, and a recent surgery or procedure. The incidence is approximately 3 out of 1,000,000 people annually.
See also
Prevention:
Prompt treatment of infections caused by bacteria is helpful. However, many cases cannot be prevented.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
- blood gases that reveal low oxygen concentration
- blood cultures to detect infection
- cardiac monitoring is consistent with high output
Treatment:
Septic shock is a medical emergency; people are admitted to intensive care.
The objective of treatment is to: - provide oxygen and treat respiratory distress if present
- elevate the legs to maximize blood flow to the brain
- administer intravenous fluids to restore blood volume and vasoactive drugs to treat low blood pressure
- treat underlying infections with antibiotics
Hemodynamic monitoring to evaluate the pressures in the heart and lungs in treatment of shock requires specialized equipment and intensive care nursing.
Prognosis:
Septic shock has a high death rate, exceeding 50%, depending on the type
of organism involved. The organism involved and the immediacy of
hospitalization will determine the outcome.
Complications:
Respiratory or cardiac failure can occur.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Go to the emergency room if symptoms of septic shock are present. You may need to call an ambulance if you have no means of transportaion or if you feel like you are unable to drive.
Necrosis can occur any time there is abnormal coagulation within the blood vessels. In this person, all circulation to the toes and front part of the foot has ceased and gangrene has developed in the toes. This condition in infants may follow infection with meningococci, generalized sepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Infection by the meningococcus organism causes damage to the blood vessels with subsequent clotting within the vessels. This causes loss of blood flow to tissue, which results in discoloration and tissue death.
Meningococcemia is a life-threatening infection that occurs when the meningococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, invades the blood stream. There is usually bleeding into the skin (petechiae and purpura), and the tissue in these areas may die (become necrotic or gangrenous). If the patient survives, the areas heal with scarring.
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