Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Therapy

Immediately make an emergency call! (Call 112) The therapy of sepsis (blood poisoning) is complex. In addition to “Drug Therapy,” which is one of the mainstays of therapy, causal therapy and supportive therapy (“Hemodynamic Stabilization” see under “Drug Therapy”) are of great importance. Causal therapy Focal therapy The basic prerequisite for successful therapy is complete … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Therapy

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count [platelets (thrombocytes) ↓] Inflammatory parameter – PCT (procalcitonin)/Guidelines recommend determination of PCT [procalcitonin increases within a few hours (2-3 h) and reaches its maximum after only 24 hours; PCT concentrations: <0.5 ng/mL exclude severe sepsis or septic shock with high probability > 2 … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Test and Diagnosis

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Drug Therapy

Therapeutic target Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations The therapy of sepsis is complex. In this context, “Drug therapy” is one of the mainstays. In addition, causal therapy (see under “Further Therapy” and “Supportive Therapy” (also see under “Further Therapy”) is of great importance. In the presence of septic shock: for hemodynamic stabilization in patients with … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Drug Therapy

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Diagnostic Tests

Mandatory medical device diagnostics. Arterial pulse contour analysis (method for monitoring hemodynamics, ie, determination of cardiac output (HMV), in patients requiring intensive care) Invasive blood pressure measurement to determine mean arterial pressure (MAD). Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Diagnostic Tests

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Prevention

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute points out that vaccinations against influenza and pneumococci, as well as vaccinations against meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae B, can help reduce the incidence (frequency of new cases) of sepsis. To prevent sepsis (blood poisoning), attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Disease-related risk … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Prevention

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate sepsis (blood poisoning): Leading symptoms Fever (> 38 °Celsius) and chills; less commonly hypothermia (hypothermia, < 36 °Celsius). Confusion/drowsiness Tachypnea (rapid breathing): > 20/min. Blood pressure drop: systolic blood pressure [mmHg] ≤ 100 Tachycardia (heartbeat too fast: > 100 beats per minute). Peripheral inferior blood flow Alteration of … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) Sepsis refers to a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated body response to infection. It is triggered by infections with pathogens of all types (bacteria, their toxins, viruses, or fungi), especially Staphyloccocus aureus or E. coli; furthermore with anaerobes, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Enterobacter, Enterococci, Haemophilus influenzae, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Pneumococci, … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Causes

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by sepsis (blood poisoning): Respiratory system (J00-J99) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) – acute progressive respiratory failure. Arterial or venous thrombosis, in patients with preoperative sepsis. Arterial hypoxemia (lowered partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood) – paO2 < 75 mmHg … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Complications

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature* , body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of eye) [cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and central mucous membranes, e.g., tongue)?] Determination of capillary refill time, … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Examination

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of sepsis* (blood poisoning). Family history What is the general health of your family members? Social anamnesis Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints) [third-party medical history, if applicable]. Do you have a fever? If so, for how long and how … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Medical History

Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Infections with pathogens of all types, especially Staphyloccocus aureus or E. coli; furthermore: Anaerobes, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Enterobacter, Enterococci, Haemophilus influenzae, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Pneumococci, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus agalacticae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, streptococci, streptococci group A, streptococci group B, streptococci group D. Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not … Blood Poisoning (Sepsis): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis