Septic Shock

by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

Septic shock is a condition in which blood pressure falls dangerously. It may occur in patients with serious infections. Very low blood pressure will slow blood flow. Organ failure may occur if the blood flow is too low.

Causes

Septic shock is caused by sepsis. Sepsis can be triggered by many different kinds of infections including:

  • Bacterial
  • Viral
  • Parasitic
  • Fungal infections

Sepsis

Lung sepsis infant
An infection of the lungs has spread throughout the body, leading to septic shock.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors    TOP

The following factors increase your chance of septic shock:

  • Age: newborns and people over age 50
  • Weakened immune system
  • Low white blood cell counts
  • Chronic diseases
  • Previous surgery

Symptoms    TOP

If you experience any of these do not assume it is due to septic shock. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.

  • Confusion
  • Reduced alertness
  • Irregular blood pressure
  • Chills
  • Fever, which may be followed by a drop in body temperature
  • Warm, flushed skin
  • Rapid, pounding heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Reduced urination
  • Kidney failure
  • Lung failure
  • Heart failure
  • Blood clots

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:

  • Blood tests to measure white blood cells, oxygen levels, platelet count, lactic acid, and metabolic waste
  • Blood tests and cultures to check for infectious organisms
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)—to check for heart rhythm irregularities

Treatment    TOP

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Supportive Measures for Shock

If you have septic shock, you will be admitted to the intensive care unit. There you will be given:

  • IV fluids—delivered directly into a vein
  • Drugs to increase blood flow
  • Extra oxygen
If your lungs fail, you may be put on a mechanical ventilator. It will help you breathe. Other therapies or supportive measures may be used.

Medications

Once the cause of the infection is identified, you will be given high doses of one or more antibiotics.

Surgery

Surgery may be performed to remove any dead tissue.

Prevention    TOP

Most cases of septic shock cannot be prevented. Treating bacterial and other infections promptly may help.

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
Society of Critical Care Medicine
http://sccmcms.sccm.org/SCCM/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians
http://www.caep.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

References:

Behrman RE, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2007.
Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Internal Medicine . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008.
Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine .7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc.; 2009.
Sepsis: what you should know. Society of Critical Care Medicine website. Available at: http://www.sccm.or... . Accessed September 26, 2006.
Septic shock. Merck website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec17/ch191/ch191c.html . Accessed September 26 2006.
Last reviewed October 2012 by Peter Lucas, MD
Last Updated: 10/11/2012

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