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Sepsis

Sepsis
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Sepsis is a serious medical condition caused by an immune system response to a severe infection of the bloodstream. It is often found in children with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems and in babies less than 3 months old, but it can happen in any child.

When bacteria get into your child’s bloodstream, the immune system responds to try to control the spread of bacteria. Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts to the infection and attacks the body’s organs, such as the kidneys, brain or lungs. 

Sepsis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection that may come from a simple elbow scrape or a serious medical illness. If left untreated, it can become a life-threatening condition. 

Symptoms of sepsis in infants and children may include:

  • Fever
  • Fast heart rate
  • Body temperature changes
  • Rapid or labored breathing 
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood sugar
  • Decreased activity level
  • Decreased urine output

If your child has a bloodstream infection from a cut or other skin injury, symptoms may include: 

  • Fever
  • Pain
  • Redness around the wound

If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

A complication of sepsis is septic shock, a serious drop in blood pressure. Toxins released by the bacteria in the bloodstream can cause extremely low blood flow and organ or tissue damage. Septic shock is a medical emergency.

To prevent sepsis, keep your child’s vaccinations up to date, carefully clean cuts or sores and watch for early signs of infection.

Diagnosis of Sepsis

Pediatric infectious disease specialists at Riley at IU Health perform a complete medical examination and may order one or more of the following tests to diagnose sepsis:

  • Blood tests. A blood test will be performed to see if bacteria are present in the blood.
  • Urinalysis. In this test, a urine sample is looked at under a microscope and cultured to check for bacteria.
  • Imaging tests. A chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan may be performed to check for signs of infection in the body.
  • Spinal tap. In this test, a sample of spinal fluid is tested for meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Treatments

Treatments

Most children with sepsis are hospitalized for treatment that includes:

  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics. These medicines fight a wide range of disease-causing bacteria. 
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids. IV fluids help improve hydration and keep blood pressure from dropping.
  • Oxygen. Oxygen is given to help maintain blood oxygen levels.
  • Other supportive medicines. Other medications may be needed to support blood pressure or heart function.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Sepsis is caused by an immune system response to a severe bacterial infection.
  • If your child shows symptoms of sepsis, see a doctor immediately.
  • Most children with sepsis stay in the hospital for treatment.
  • A complication of sepsis is septic shock, which is a serious drop in blood pressure. This is a medical emergency

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the websites below to learn more about sepsis.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This government website provides general information about sepsis.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 3 facilities offering Sepsis care by entering your city or zip below.

See all facilities →

Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Infectious Diseases

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