It maybe an overreaction by our body defence system when a bacterial infection is present, this reaction can occur more quickly in patients who have a weak immune system condition.
Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.
Diagnosis Tests
How to check if one has sepsis and what to do next.
The NEWS2 table (please see pictures) – not valid for children under the age of 16 and pregnant women and person with spinal cord injury.
One totals the points from the following parameters:
Please note; one has 3 points if blood pressure reading (top number) is above 220
(Any reading where the top no. is above 140 and/or is below 90 needs to be referred to a healthcare professional).
Once one has answered the question click on ‘Evidence’ on what to do next.
If unsure on how to use this test/score please talk to a healthcare professional
Check one consciousness [Glasgow coma scale (GCS)]
The Glasgow Coma Scale is an adopted standard for assessment of impaired consciousness and coma in the acutely ill trauma and non-trauma patient and assists with predictions of neurological outcomes (complications, impaired recovery) and mortality.
Max score is 15 and any change of behaviour needs to referred to an healthcare professional or if aggressive or emotionally upset as a Medical emergency.
Once one has answered the question click on ‘Evidence’ on what to do next.
If unsure on how to use this test/score please talk to a healthcare professional
Organ failure assessment (qsofa)
Patients equal to or older than 18 years old in a non-ICU setting (i.e. pre-hospital, ward, emergency department, or step-down unit) with confirmed or suspected infection.
Person who has had surgery or any invasive procedure in the last six weeks including caesarean section, forceps delivery, removal of retained products of conception.
Person who is pregnant and/or had a termination and/or miscarriage in the last six weeks
Needed invasive procedures
Had prolonged rupture of membranes
Have or have been in close contact with people with group A streptococcal infection, for example, scarlet fever
Continued vaginal bleeding or an offensive vaginal discharge.
Early-onset neonatal infection:
Invasive group B streptococcal infection in a previous baby
Maternal group B streptococcal colonisation, bacteriuria or infection in the current pregnancy
Prelabour rupture of membranes
Preterm birth following spontaneous labour (before 37 weeks’ gestation)
Suspected or confirmed rupture of membranes for more than 18 hours in a preterm birth
Intrapartum fever higher than 38°C, or confirmed or suspected chorioamnionitis (infection within the womb)
Parenteral antibiotic treatment given to the woman for confirmed or suspected invasive bacterial infection (such as septicaemia) at any time during labour, or in the 24-hour periods before and after the birth (this does not refer to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis)
Suspected or confirmed infection in another baby in the case of a multiple pregnancy.
High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats (under three months) and/or above 39 °C (3- 6 months) or any high fever showing no interest in anything (not always present)?
Fever with grunting?
Low Temperature (below 36 degree centigrade, check three times in a 10 minute period)?
Cold hands and feet?
Looking pale and/or discolored skin rash(not always present)- [if rash is present check with glass test (press glass cup against rash and if it does not disappear it is serious – Medical emergency)]?
Severe Rapid, shallow breathing (see table)?
Slow breathing and/or ‘catching one’s breath’ (see table/image 4)?
Breathing difficulties and/or short of breath?
High blood pressure (see table/image 4)?
Low blood pressure (see table/image 4)?
Fast or slow pulse (see table/image 4)?
Severe Dry cough and/or breathing difficulties?
Passing no urine (not urinated/wet nappy for longer than 12-18 hours)?
Severe general discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)-(lactate level above 2 mmol/litre if measurements available) -peron may still be alert?
Confusion and/or slurred speech and/or drowsiness (see table/image 4)?
Severe Irritated, depressed, anxiety and/or panic attacks?
How to check if one has sepsis and what to do next.
The NEWS2 table (please see pictures) – not valid for children under the age of 16 and pregnant women and person with spinal cord injury.
One totals the points from the following parameters:
Please note; one has 3 points if blood pressure reading (top number) is above 220- any reading above 140, this also applies if ones blood pressure is below 90 needs to be referred to a healthcare professional).
Once one has answered the question click on ‘Evidence’ on what to do next.
If unsure on how to use this test/score please talk to a healthcare professional
Check one consciousness [Glasgow coma scale (GCS)]
The Glasgow Coma Scale is an adopted standard for assessment of impaired consciousness and coma in the acutely ill trauma and non-trauma patient and assists with predictions of neurological outcomes (complications, impaired recovery) and mortality.
Max score is 15 and any change of behaviour needs to referred to an healthcare professional or if aggressive or emotionally upset as a Medical emergency.
Once one has answered the question click on ‘Evidence’ on what to do next.
If unsure on how to use this test/score please talk to a healthcare professional
Organ failure assessment (qsofa)
Patients equal to or older than 18 years old in a non-ICU setting (i.e. pre-hospital, ward, emergency department, or step-down unit) with confirmed or suspected infection.
Hyperglycemia (high sugar symptoms) – (plasma glucose level > 140 mg/dL [> 7.7 mmol/L]) in the absence of diabetes
If so do not take a chance, phone for ambulance, seek urgent medical attention
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Sepsis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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