Sepsis and septic shock

Sepsis and septic shock have a multitude of causal factors, some weidling more prominent than others. The largest contributors to sepsis cases and sepsis-related deaths were:

• Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g. Pneumonia): Infections like pneumonia frequently serve as a point of origin for sepsis. The lungs, vital for oxygenation, are susceptible to invading microorganisms capable of inciting a septic response.
• Bloodstream  infections (including Staphylococcus aureus, malaria, typhoid paratyphoid): Pathogens traveling through the circulatory system increasing risk of infection
• Maternal-neonatal infections: The neonatal period, within the first four weeks of life, presents a high-risk scenario for infections. Neonatal sepsis, emerging as a bloodstream infection, demands vigilant monitoring and swift intervention to avert dire consequences.
• Urinary tract infection: urinary tract infections can increase the risk of sepsis particularly when left unaddressed, making time to diagnosis critical. 
• Gastrointestinal/diarrheal infections: When infected, the gastrointestinal tract, containing microbial ecosystems, can lead to severe sepsis and septic shock if left undiagnosed and treated.

• High heart rate or weak pulse
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
• Shortness of breath
• Clammy or sweaty skin

Sepsis is most likely to develop in immunocompromised, pediatric, and elderly populations; or those who have an indwelling medical device or catheter. Sepsis rates are on the rise because of a rising elderly population, increased longevity of individuals with chronic diseases such as cancer, technological advances in medicine that lead to more frequent use of invasive medical devices, and the extensive use of antibiotics.³

Neonatal sepsis is an infection involving the bloodstream within the first four weeks of life and results in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Neonatal sepsis can initially present with subtle signs, but can rapidly progress to multisystem organ failure. Early detection and prompt intervention are essential to prevent severe and life-threatening complications.

The first 28 days of life (the neonatal period) are the most vulnerable time for child survival. Every year, an estimated 2.5 million neonates die in their first month of life, accounting for nearly one-half of deaths in children under 5 years of age. An estimated 375 000 neonatal deaths due to sepsis occurred globally in 2018, which represented 15% of all neonatal deaths, making sepsis one of the leading causes of newborn death.⁵

The prognosis of neonatal sepsis depends on early recognition and appropriate treatment, although signs and symptoms are often nonspecific and may overlap with those of other severe conditions, such as meningitis and pneumonia. These clinical signs include respiratory distress and cyanosis, apnoea, feeding difficulties, lethargy or irritability, and poor perfusion.