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Septic shock is an acute reaction that seriously threatens the health and life of the patient. Septic shock occurs as a result of an infection in the body and requires immediate medical attention. Shock leads to multi-organ failure, including organ failure that plays a key role in the functioning of the human body. What are the causes of septic shock?
Septic shock – characteristics
Septic shock is the most serious complication of sepsis, with around 150 Europeans dying each year. Sepsis is a systemic infection in the body that is also called sepsis. Briefly describing sepsis, it can be said that it is a strong reaction of the body, which involves the production of harmful substances by the immune system. There are three stages in the course of sepsis: sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Septic shock is the last and most severe stage of sepsis and in many cases leads to the death of the patient.
Septic shock – causes
Bacterial infections are the most frequently cited cause of septic shock. Infection can also be caused by fungal or viral infections. Previous surgery or long-term hospitalization are risk factors that increase the occurrence of sepsis and septic shock. Patients are at risk of sepsis:
- with a vascular catheter;
- with a catheter in the bladder;
- with drain;
- with artificial prostheses or devices such as a pacemaker;
- with mechanical ventilation of the lungs;
- parenterally fed;
- with transfused fluids and blood products;
- with bedsores, burns and wounds;
- with impaired immunity after treatment or radiation therapy.
Sepsis can also develop out of hospital. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the disease. Sepsis and septic shock can occur in immunocompromised or debilitated people. The risk of systemic infection also increases when staying in large groups of people, e.g. in nurseries, kindergartens or schools.
How is septic shock manifested?
The first symptoms of sepsis depend on the site of the infection. However, during the development of a systemic reaction, symptoms appear, such as:
- temperature rise above 38 degrees C or drop below 36 degrees C;
- heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute;
- increase in respiratory rate, more than 20 per minute;
- significantly reduced or significantly increased number of leukocytes in the blood;
- disturbances of consciousness;
- lactic acidosis;
- cold and clammy skin.
Diagnosis of septic shock – research
The clinical symptoms of septic shock are very characteristic and usually their analysis is the basis for diagnosis. However, the diagnosis of septic shock requires tests such as:
- RKZ, i.e. acid-base balance test and assessment of serum lactate concentration;
- hemostasis test, i.e. the assessment of the degree of blood clotting;
- assessment of the parameters of kidney and liver function;
- assessment of the parameters determining inflammation in the body;
- Microbiological testing;
- imaging tests, i.e. lung X-ray, ultrasound and computed tomography of the abdominal cavity.
Septic shock – treatment
The prognosis for septic shock depends on the timing of diagnosis and treatment. Treatment is causal and symptomatic. In the causal treatment, the patient is given antimicrobial drugs, infection foci are removed, and all catheters, cannulas and prostheses that may cause infection are removed. In symptomatic treatment, intravenous fluids are administered to maintain the proper level of pressure or increase the contractility of the heart. In some cases of septic shock, blood transfusion is required.
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