Septic Shock

Medical Review

Written by: Dr. Von Chiao Wen Doctor of Medicine (MD), N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Reviewed by: Dr. Lee Chin Meng Doctor of Medicine (MD), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Overview of Septic Shock

Septic shock is a life threatening condition which can cause death if its not recognized and treated at the earliest time possible. It occurs due to infection which affects through out the body and causing multi organ damage eventually.

Signs and Symptoms of Septic Shock

Fever usually higher than 38ËšC, Low body temperature (hypothermia), Fast heart rate, Rapid breathing, or more than 20 breaths per minute, Noticeably lower amounts of urine, Acute confusion, Dizziness, Severe problems breathing, Bluish discoloration of the digits or lips (cyanosis)

Common Causes of Septic Shock

Abdominal or digestive system infections, Lung infections like pneumonia, Urinary tract infection, Reproductive system infection

Risk Factors of Septic Shock

Major surgery or long-term hospitalization, Diabetes type 1 and type 2 injection drug use, Hospitalized patients that are already very sick, Exposure to devices like intravenous catheters,urinary catheters,breathing tubes which can introduce bacteria into the body, Poor nutrition

Investigation Techniques for Septic Shock

Complete blood cell count, Coagulation studies, Serum creatinine level, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, Bilirubin level, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level, Albumin level, Blood cultures, Urinalysis and urine culture,X-Ray, Lumbar puncture

Treatment and Prevention of Septic Shock

Intravenous antibiotics to fight infection,Vasopressor medications which are drugs that constrict blood vessels and help increase blood pressure,Insulin for blood sugar stability, Corticosteroids

Available Septic Shock Medicines

No medicines currently available for this condition.

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