A groundbreaking study conducted in 2016 in the southern Swedish county of Skåne sent shockwaves through the medical community. It revealed that the incidence of sepsis was much higher than anticipated, with a staggering rate of 750 cases per 100,000 adults. Now, a new research project in the same region is serving as a pilot study before expanding to cover the entire continent of Europe.
The findings of this study were alarming. Sepsis was found to be a contributing factor in 4 percent of hospitalizations, and a shocking 20 percent of sepsis patients died within three months.
Senior author Adam Linder emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This makes sepsis as common as cancer with similar negative long-term consequences, and as deadly as an acute myocardial infarction [heart attack]. Among sepsis survivors, three-quarters also experience long-term complications such as heart attacks, kidney problems, and cognitive difficulties.”
Tracking sepsis rates has proven challenging in the past. Co-author Lisa Mellhammar explained, “Doctors classify patients using diagnostic codes. Since sepsis is a secondary diagnosis resulting from an infection, the condition is significantly underdiagnosed, as the primary disease often dictates the diagnostic code.”
The researchers believe that sepsis should be recognized as an epidemic, and they are collaborating with the European Sepsis Alliance for their next phase of work.
But what exactly is sepsis, and would you be able to identify it?
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a secondary condition that occurs when an existing infection spirals out of control, causing the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue. Surprisingly, almost any infection, including common viral infections like the flu and COVID-19, can lead to sepsis, even if the initial infection seemed relatively mild.
The majority of sepsis cases are caused by bacterial infections, often originating in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. If you suspect a bacterial infection, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to receive appropriate treatment and prevent its progression to sepsis.
Timely treatment is vital when sepsis is suspected, as the symptoms can rapidly worsen.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Identifying sepsis can be challenging, but there are certain signs to watch out for:
- Confusion, disorientation, or slurred speech
- A fast heart rate or weak pulse
- Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Pale, blotchy, or blue/gray skin, lips, or tongue – this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet on deeper skin tones
- Shortness of breath
- A rash that does not fade when you press it
- Extreme pain or discomfort
People with sepsis often describe feeling extremely unwell. Survivors have shared their experiences of having a sense of “impending doom” or a fear of death.
In infants or young children, additional symptoms may include:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Not responding in the usual manner
- Crying that sounds different than usual
- Noisy or rapid breathing
It’s important to note that not every person with sepsis will exhibit all of these symptoms. When in doubt, it’s best to trust your instincts and seek emergency medical care promptly. Inform the healthcare provider that you suspect sepsis, especially if the patient has recently had an infection or been exposed to someone with a potentially contagious disease.
The authors of the Swedish study emphasized the need to raise awareness about sepsis. Linder stated, “Although sepsis care has improved in recent years, we need to enhance our diagnostic methods to identify patients earlier. Increasing awareness about sepsis among the public and decision-makers is crucial to ensure that resources are allocated appropriately.”
The study has been published in JAMA Network Open.
