Sepsis Malpractice: Settlements, Misdiagnosis, and Claims

Sepsis is a serious medical condition that occurs when a person’s body is trying to fight off an infection. The body essentially turns on itself, using its infection-fighting powers to attack itself. This can make it difficult for the body’s organs to function properly.

As sepsis worsens, the body’s organs do not get as much blood as they should. Sepsis can also cause atypical blood clotting. These clots or burst blood vessels can damage or destroy tissues.

In some cases, sepsis progresses to a condition known as septic shock. This causes a significant drop in blood pressure that can damage the kidneys, liver, lungs, and other organs. If the damage is severe, the patient may even die.

There are several symptoms of sepsis. These signs can include:

• A change in mental status
• Sweating for no obvious reason
• Shallow, fast breathing
• Feeling lightheaded
• Symptoms specific to the infection itself (such as a burning sensation when urinating from a urinary tract infection)
• Shivering

Symptoms of sepsis are not specific. They can also vary from person to person. Any type of infection can lead to sepsis, so it is important to seek medical treatment if you have an infection that isn’t healing or are showing any signs of sepsis. 

If a person with sepsis has a hard time staying awake, shows a major change in mental status, or is unable to stand up, they may have septic shock. This is considered a life-threatening emergency.

The most common causes of sepsis include fungal, bacterial, or fungal infections, such as:

• A lung infection like pneumonia
• A digestive system infection
• Infections at catheter sites
• Bloodstream infections
• Infected wounds or burns
• Kidney or bladder infections

Certain people are more likely to develop sepsis after an infection. This includes both babies and people over the age of 65, along with anyone with a compromised immune system. Others at potential risk for an infection turning into sepsis include:

• People with chronic disease
• Patients admitted to an intensive care unit or who have been in the hospital for a longer period of time
• Patients who have been treated with antibiotics in the last 90 days
• Patients with devices that go into the body, including catheters and breathing tubes
• People with conditions that require treatment with corticosteroids, which can suppress the immune system

Most people recover from mild cases of sepsis. However, if sepsis progresses to septic shock, the mortality rate is 30 to 40%. In addition, an episode of more severe sepsis can increase the risk for future infections.

Sepsis is usually diagnosed through blood testing and testing of the fluids associated with the infection (such as liquid from the wound, mucus from the respiratory tract, or urine). If the infection site isn’t obvious, then other tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIS, can be used to locate soft tissue, lung, organ, and bone infections.

Early treatment increases the likelihood of recovery from sepsis and decreases the risk of the infection progressing to septic shock. Treatments may include:

• Antibiotics
• Intravenous fluids
• Vasopressors to narrow blood vessels and increase blood pressure
• Supportive care, such as oxygen or dialysis
• Surgery to remove infected and/or dead tissues

While sepsis often begins as a simple infection, it can progress quickly once the body’s immune system overreacts and damages organs. If it reaches the state of septic shock, then the patient’s life may be at risk.