How Sepsis Leads To Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome?

on November 22, 2018

Karunanidhi, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, breathed his last on Aug 7, 2018. His cause of death is known to be multiple organ failure. In this article, we will be writing about this condition for awareness.

What Is Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome?

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome occurs when two or more organs fail to function properly. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is also known as multi-organ failure and multiple systems organ failure. It is characterized by the dysfunction of many organs, it also affects the physiologic system including the haematologic system, endocrine system or the immune system.

Though it is described as a syndrome, its clinical course and causes are highly variable.

What Are The Causes Of Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome?

This condition is known to result from injury, infection, hypermetabolism, and hypoperfusion. And one of the primary causes of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is sepsis.

So, What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight against an infection which in turn causes inflammation in the entire body. This means that sepsis develops when the body's response to an infection damages its own organs (kidneys, heart or brain) and tissues.

The most severe cases of sepsis can lead to septic shock, which is a medical emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 1,000,000 cases of sepsis every year. A study in 2012 showed that it affects one in four in intensive care units (ICUs) In India.

Very few people know the warning signs which are high heart rate and fever.

What Are The Causes Of Sepsis?

Any infection can cause sepsis, but the infections that are more likely to cause sepsis are pneumonia, bloodstream infection, kidney infection, and abdominal infection.

Sepsis has three stages - sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Sepsis can happen when you are still in the hospital and recovering from a procedure, but it is not always the case. Knowing these symptoms of sepsis that will let you seek treatment earlier and the chances of survival will be greater.

Symptoms of sepsis are:

A fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
High breathing rate.
Heart rate is higher than 90 beats per minute.
An infection.

Symptoms of severe sepsis are:

Decreased urination
Changes in mental ability
Patches of discoloured skin
Breathing problems
Low platelet count
Abnormal heart functions
Unconsciousness
Extreme weakness

Symptoms of septic shock include the same symptoms of severe sepsis and also a very low blood pressure level.

Who Is At A Higher Risk Of Sepsis?

Those at the highest risk include:

Young children and older people.
People being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU).
People who have weak immune systems.

How Is Sepsis Diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a blood test to check the complications like infection, blood clotting, decreased amount of oxygen, abnormal liver or kidney function. Depending on the results of your blood test and symptoms, your doctor may perform other tests too such as a urine test, mucous secretion test, and wound secretion test.

Treatment of Sepsis

Sepsis, if left untreated, may quickly progress to septic shock and death. Doctors prescribe medications to treat sepsis which include antibiotics, insulin to stabilize blood sugar level, painkillers, vasoactive medications, and corticosteroids.

Dialysis also might be necessary if your kidneys are damaged.

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