Sepsis

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.