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Sepsis is a serious health condition with long-term effects. Discover how it’s diagnosed, as well as the infection prevention and control (IPC) measures Mediclinic takes to prevent sepsis in our hospitals.
Sepsis is caused by the body’s overwhelming response to an infection that may be present on admission or develop during hospitalisation. It is a critical condition and early diagnosis, and treatment are vital for recovery. Riani Retief, Clinical Quality Specialist at Mediclinic Southern Africa, explains the long-term effects of sepsis, the steps taken to fight this condition, and why prevention is crucial for better health outcomes.
What causes sepsis and how is it diagnosed?
Sepsis arises when your body’s response to an infection becomes dysregulated, leading to potential organ dysfunction – and is extremely dangerous to your health. “It’s essentially a disorder where the body reacts excessively to an infection," says Retief. "This infection can arise from various sources, like untreated wounds or bladder infections."
While it’s usually associated with bacterial infections, sepsis can also be triggered by viral infections, including COVID-19 and herpes or a fungal infection. Symptoms of sepsis include severe body pain, shivering, weakness, and fever. The body’s overwhelming response can escalate quickly, causing it to attack its own tissues and organs, which is why early recognition is crucial. “It's important for people to consider sepsis as a possibility, especially when symptoms persist and worsen despite initial treatment by a GP,” says Retief.
Awareness campaigns, like World Sepsis Day, encourage people to ask, “Could this be sepsis?” This can lead to early medical intervention, especially during times of the year when respiratory illnesses and infections are common.
How do we treat sepsis and promote recovery?
Early diagnosis and intervention are vital in the treatment of sepsis. “Prevention is pivotal in combatting sepsis," says Christine Smedley, Infection Prevention and Control Officer Coordinator at Mediclinic Southern Africa. "Our hospitals implement multiple rigorous decontamination protocols. Infection-control measures include these protocols as well as evidence-based practices to minimise risks. This is particularly important in vulnerable patients like those with compromised immune systems or undergoing invasive procedures."
Surveillance systems in hospitals are vital for spotting infections early. Infection prevention and control managers use these systems to identify “alert organisms”, track trends, and pinpoint risks. This allows for timely actions to prevent or minimise infections and detect unusual patterns before they lead to sepsis. "In hospitals, infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are critical to prevent sepsis in vulnerable patients,” says Smedley. This involves maintaining cleanliness, using sterile equipment, and following best practices aligned with national and international guidelines and the latest evidence.
Treatment of sepsis follows international guidelines, which are regularly updated. These guidelines recommend specific antimicrobial treatments and supportive care and are then tailored to each case. "Treatment protocols for sepsis are guided by international standards that evolve with new research," explains Retief. Despite these efforts, sepsis remains complex, and outcomes vary widely depending on early intervention and individual patient factors.
What are the long-term effects of sepsis?
Surviving sepsis is possible, but not without potential long-term consequences. "Even with treatment, sepsis survivors may face long-term health challenges," warns Retief. The aftermath of sepsis can include physical, psychological, and cognitive impairments, such as chronic pain, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and difficulties with concentration and memory.
Recovery from sepsis often involves extensive rehabilitation and continued support to manage its long-term effects. It's important for healthcare providers, patients, and their families to understand these potential challenges so they can provide the right care and support throughout the recovery journey.
Understanding sepsis as a complex health issue educates both medical professionals and the public about the need to be vigilant, act quickly, and continue observing the latest protocols to fight this potentially devastating condition. As Smedley reiterates, preventing infections through strong infection control and quick action is our best defence against sepsis.