What are the Stages of Sepsis?

Scartelli Olszewski P.C.

September is Sepsis Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the most common causes of death in US hospitals, and, while not always a result of malpractice, the condition always needs to be taken seriously. If you suspect that medical malpractice led to your or your loved one’s sepsis, give us a call.

The Stages of Sepsis

Infections at hospitals happen. Often, they’re not that dangerous if treated promptly. If undiagnosed or untreated, however, the infection can progress, potentially leading to death.

Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme, life-threatening reaction to an infection. The immune system, instead of fighting off bacteria or viruses, triggers widespread inflammation that damages tissues and organs.

In the past, sepsis was cleanly divided into distinct stages from sepsis to septic shock, but as is so often the case, reality is not that neat and organized. A patient can be septic, but not in septic shock. Instead of going through distinct stages, different symptoms can present themselves, such as:

• Low Energy
• Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia)
• Low Blood Pressure
• Fever or Chills
• Urinary Issues
• Shortness of Breath
• Confusion and Disorientation
• Clammy or Sweaty Skin
• Excruciating or Extreme Pain

If any of these symptoms are ignored by hospital staff, that may rise to the level of malpractice.

Septic Shock

Septic Shock is the most severe form of sepsis. It occurs when symptoms worsen and the body slows its response to fluid replacement. Blood pressure drops and oxygen and nutrients cannot reach vital organs. Septic Shock comes with a very high risk, carrying a high mortality rate, even with intensive care.

Once a body is in septic shock, ICU-level care is required. Medical negligence claims will often happen at this stage because septic shock often follows critical delays in diagnosis or treatment, when warning signs were missed, ignored, or downplayed.

Sepsis is always serious and most of the time, it’s preventable or manageable with proper care. Doctors and nurses and hospital staff are there to care for you. When they don’t meet that standard of care, we will. 

Call our office today to discuss your case. We will review your medical records together, consult with our experts, and help determine whether malpractice played a role.